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CHURCH  TEACHING 


FOB  THB 


CHILDEEN  OF  THE  CHUKCH. 


BT  THB 

KEY.  W.  H.  COOKE, 

A8S,!8TANT  MINISTER  OF  TRINITY  PARISH,  N 


FIFTH  EDITION,  REVISED. 


KEW  YOEK  : 

POTT  & AMERY,  COOPER  UNION. 
ISih 


. T. 


Katered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868,  by 
POTT  & AMERY, 

In  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  TJnited  States 
for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


THE  TROW  & SMlTu 

BOOK  MANUF  AC  TURINO  C OMP  A N Yt 
46.  4S.  50  GR£E2i[£  STREET  N.  Y. 


2.  3 . 

■cm  ^ 5 


i 


NOTE 

TO  THE 

r FIFTH  AND  IMPROVED  EDITION. 


, ^ Several  changes  have  been  made,  and  at  the  sngges- 
;^tion  of  a number  of  friends  “the  Church  Catechism” 
^ has  been  inserted.  It  is  proposed  that  one  question 
from  the  “ Church  Catechism,”  be  learned  on  each  Sun- 
day,  with  the  lesson  appointed,  in  order  that  it  may 
constantly  be  brought  before  the  minds  of  the  children. 

Grateful  for  tlie  kind  favor  with  which  my  effort 
has  been  received,  I trust  that  the  present  additions 
and  corrections  may  make  this  book  more  usofid  to 
those  who  are  striving  to  educate  the  minds  and  hearts 
of  the  children  of  the  Church. 

W.  H.  C. 

' St.  John’s,  Trinity  Parish, 

Quinquagesima  Sunday,  1871. 


7G2296 


INTRODUCTORY. 


Many  among  the  Clergy  as  well  as  Superintendents 
of  Sunday  Schools  have  found  it  difficult,  in  large 
schools,  to  catechise  their  children,  by  reason  of  the 
great  number  and  variety  of  text-books  which  were 
used  to  suit  the  comprehension  of  children  of  various 
age  and  ability.  It  is  the  design  of  this  little  book 
to  meet,  in  a measure,  this  difficulty. 

It  contains  simple  questions  which  are  within  the 
comprehension  of  the  youngest,  and  then  are  enlarged 
and  amplified  with  the  assistance  of  Scripture  texts, 
so  as  to  be  sufficiently  advanced  for  almost  any  child 
who  attends  school. 

The  Eector  or  Superintendent  in  catechising  his 
children  addresses  himself  therefore  to  the  entire 
school,  and  not  to  a few  who  may  chance  to  be  in  the 
same  book.  This  advantage  will  enable  him  to  inter- 
est the  whole  school  at  once,  which  he  cannot  do  ac- 
cording to  the  accustomed  use. 

This,  together  with  the  fact  that  the  truth  which  is 
taught  is  in  absolute  conformity  with  the  teaching  of 
the  Church,  in  the  order  of  the  ecclesiastical  year,  will, 
we  trust,  recommend  it  to  the  kind  consideration  of 
Churchmen. 


1* 


6 


INTKODUCTORT. 


In  order  that  the  method  may  be  understood,  it 
will  be  well  to  read  the  following 

DIRECTIONS  TO  TEACHERS. 

Let  all  the  scholars  of  the  school  be  divided  into 
four  grades.  The  youngest  should  study  only  those 
questions  marked  1. 

Those  of  the  second  grade  should  learn  1 and  2. 

Those  of  the  third  grade,  1,  2 and  3. 

Those  of  the  fourth  grade,  1,  2,  3 and  4,  or  the 
whole. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  it  will  take  a child  four 
years  to  complete  the  book,  and  when  he  has  finished, 
he  will  have  in  his  mind  a vast  store  of  heavenly  wis- 
dom. Of  course  each  grade  may  he  divided  into  as 
many  classes  as  may  be  practicable. 

May  the  Divine  blessing  attend  this  feeble  effort. 

St.  John’s,  Trinity  Parish,  Oct,  1868. 


OFFICES. 

BEFORE  SCHOOL. 

Begin  by  singing  a Psalm  or  Hymn. 

Eepeat  the  creed — 

There  shall  le  said  a selection,  of  one  psalm  from  the 
psalter  of  the  day. 


Y.  The  Lord  be  with  yon. 
E.  And  with  thy  spirit. 


INTRODUCTOEY. 


7 


Let  us  Pray, 

V.  O Lord,  show  Thy  mercy  upon  us. 

B.  And  grant  us  Thy  salvation. 

Y.  O God,  make  clean  our  hearts  within  us. 

E.  And  take  not  Thy  Holy  Spirit  from  us. 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven,  &c. 

Then  shall  follow  the  Collect  for  the  day^  with  such 
others  from  the  Booh  of  Common  Prayer  as  the  Super- 
intendent may  select,^  concluding  with  the  following : 

0 Almighty  God ! whom,  in  our  own  strength,  we 
are  not  able  to  serve  and  please,  graciously  behold  us, 
thy  unworthy  servants,  to  whom  Thou  hast  intrusted 
the  work  of  teaching  the  young  out  of  Thy  Holy 
Word.  May  we  ourselves  be  taught  of  the  Spirit; 
and  being  filled  with  zeal  for  our  work,  may  we  prove 
faithful  to  the  end,  that  so  Thy  name  may  be  glorified, 
Thy  church  enlarged,  and  true  religion  and  piety  be 
established  among  us  to  all  generations ; through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

O thou  Gracious  Bishop  and  Shepherd  of  Israel, 
tenderly  regard  these  children,  the  lambs  of  Thy  fold. 
Carry  them  in  Thy  bosom ; cause  them  to  know  Thy 
voice,  to  obey  Thy  will,  and  to  follow  Thy  steps.  May 
they  receive  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word  whicli 
is  able  to  save  their  souls ; and  walking  in  the  way  of 
righteousness,  may  they  grow  in  grace  as  members  of 
Thy  church  on  earth,  while  here  they  live  ; and  when 
they  die,  may  they  be  received  into  Thy  fold  in  heaven, 


8 


INTEODUCTORY. 


there  to  praise  Thee,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen, 


AFTER  SCHOOL. 

Y.  Like  as  a father  pitieth  his  own  children. 

R.  Even  so  is  the  Lord  menciful  unto  them  that 
fear  Him. 

Y.  Glory  he  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

E.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever 
shall  he,  world  without  end.  Amen, 

Here  shall  l)e  sung  a Psalm  or  Hymn, 


Let  us  Pray, 

Grant,  we  beseech  Thee,  Almighty  God,  that  the 
words  which  we  have  heard  this  day  with  our  outward 
ears,  may,  through  Thy  grace,  be  so  grafted  inward- 
ly  in  our  hearts,  that  they  may  bring  forth  in  us  the 
fruits  of  good  living,  to  the  honor  and  praise  of  Thy 
ISTame,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love 
of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with 
us  all  evermore.  Amen, 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

The  Collect, 

Almighty  God,  give  ns  grace  that  we  may  cast 
away  the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the 
armour  of  light,  now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  in 
which  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  yisit  us  in  great 
humility ; that  in  the  last  day,  when  he  shall  come 
again  in  his  glorious  Majesty  to  judge  both  the  quick 
and  dead,  we  may  rise  to  the  life  immortal,  through 
him  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  now  and  ever.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Eom.  xiii.  8. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  xxi.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  is  Advent  Sunday  ? 

A.  The  Christian  New  Year’s  day. 

2.  Q.  Why  does  the  Church  begin  the  year  at  this 
time  ? 

A.  Because  at  this  time  her  Saviour,  the  true  Sun 
of  Righteousness,  began  to  rise  upon  the 
world. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  prophecy  in  reference  to  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness  ? 

A.  Malachi  iv.  2. 

L Q.  How  does  the  righteousness  of  Christ  affect  us? 
A.  Rom.  V.  18. 

1.  Q.  Who  announced  the  coming  of  Christ? 

A.  St.  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  Q.  Where  did  St.  John  preach  ? 


10 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


A.  In  the  wilderness  of  Judea,  saying,  “Repent 
ye ; for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand.” 

3.  Q.  Did  Christ  recognize  St.  John  as  his  forerunner  ? 
A.  St.  Matth.  xi.  13,  14. 

4.  Q.  Where  was  the  prophecy,  and  how  was  it  ful- 

filled, as  to  the  word  which  St.  John  should 
speak  ? 

A.  Isaiah  xl.  3 ; St.  Matth.  iii.  3. 

1.  Q.  Where  did  our  Saviour  make  his  appearance? 
A.  At  Jerusalem,  the  chief  city  of  the  Jews. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  he  go  to  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  Because,  being  the  rightful  Prince  of  the  house 
of  David,  he  went  to  the  city  in  which  his 
father  had  reigned  as  king. 

3.  Q.  How  did  Christ  announce  his  coming  ? 

A.  St.  Mattli.  xxi.  5. 

4.  Q.  What  does  the  Prophet  Isaiah  say  concerning 

his  coming  to  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  Isaiah  Ixii.  11. 

1.  Q.  Who  accompanied  Christ  to  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  His  disciples,  and  a great  multitude  besides. 

2.  Q.  What  led  them  to  go  with  him  ? 

A.  That  they  might  hail  him  as  their  King. 

3.  Q.  Did  they  expect  him  to  rule  over  them  like  any 

other  king  ? 

A.  Yes ; as  they  interpreted  all  the  prophecies  in 
relation  to  his  reigning  over  them,  in  a tem- 
poral and  not  a spiritual  sense. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  of  his  kingdom  ? 

A.  St.  John  xviii.  36. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


11 


1.  Q.  How  did  the  Holy  Jesus  come  ? 

A.  In  great  humility. 

2.  Q.  How  was  the  humility  of  Christ  manifested  ? 

A.  By  his  riding  upon  a beast  universally  regarded 

with  contempt. 

3.  Q.  Are  we  required  to  exercise  ourselves  in  hu- 

mility ? 

A.  Col.  iii.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  reward  is  promised  to  the  humble  ? 

A.  St.  Matth.  xviii.  4 ; Jas.  iv.  6 ; Prov.  xxii.  4. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  people  receive  their  king  ? 

A.  They  spread  their  garments  and  green  branches 
in  his  path. 

2.  Q.  With  what  words  did  they  hail  him  ? 

A.  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David — blessed  is  He 
that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord — Hosan- 
na in  the  highest.” 

3.  Q.  What  after  incident  proved  that  the  Jews  were 

not  sincere  in  their  adulations  ? 

A.  St.  Matth.  xxvii.  23. 

4.  Q.  Is  an  outward  expression  of  reverence  all  that 

is  required  of  us  ? 

A.  St.  Matth.  vii.  21. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  by  the  action  of  our  Saviour  ? 
A.  To  humbly  bear  all  that  God  may  put  upon  us. 

2.  Q.  Can  we  accomplish  this  by  our  own  will  and 

strength  ? 

A.  No ; we  must  devoutly  implore  the  assistance 
of  his  Holy  Spirit,  who  will  help  our  infir- 
mities. 


12 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


3.  Q.  In  whose  name  must  we  ask  God  for  assistance  1 
A.  In  the  name  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 

Christ ; who  ever  sitteth  at  the  right  hand 
of  God  to  make  intercession  for  us. 

4.  Q.  Is  there  any  promise  in  Scripture  that  if  we  so 

ask  we  shall  receive  ? 

A.  St.  John  xiv.  13. 

1.  Q.  To  what  does  the  Advent  of  Christ  look  for  ^vard  ? 
A.  To  his  second  coming  in  glorious  majesty. 

2.  Q.  What  will  be  the  object  of  his  Second  Advent  ? 
A.  “ To  judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead.” 

3.  Q.  Where  is  it  said  that  Christ  shall  judge  the 

world  ? 

A.  St.  John  V.  22. 

4.  Q.  What  will  Christ  say  to  those  on  his  right  and 

on  his  left  hand  at  the  day  of  judgment? 

A.  St.  Matth.  XXV.  34,  41. 

“ Awake — again  the  gospel  trump  is  blown — 

From  year  to  year  it  swells  with  louder  tone, 

From  year  to  year  the  signs  of  wrath 
Are  gathering  round  the  Judge’s  path, 

Strange  words  fulfilled,  and  mighty  works  achieved, 

And  truth  in  all  the  world  both  hated  and  believed.” 

Kehle. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

The  Collect, 

Blessed  Lord,  who  hast  caused  all  holy  Scriptures 
to  be  written  for  our  learning;  Grant  that  we 
may  in  such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn,  and 
inwardly  digest  them,  that  by  patience,  and  comfort  of 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADYENT. 


18 


thy  holy  Word,  we  may  embrace,  and  ever  hold  fast 
the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life,  which  thou  hast 
given  us  in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  xv.  A..— The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xxi.  25. 

1.  Q.  What  are  the  Holy  Scriptures? 

A.  The  written  word  of  God. 

2.  Q.  How  was  the  Bible  written? 

A.  By  holy  men  who  were  inspired  of  God. 

3.  Q.  What  two  parts  does  the  Bible  embrace  ? 

A.  The  Old  and  Hew  Testanaents,  called  also  the 
Law  and  the  Gospel ; the  one  being  the  fore- 
shadow of  the  other. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  difference  between  the  Law  and  the 

Gospel? 

A.  Bom.  iii.  20 ; Bom.  xvi.  25,  26. 

1.  Q.  What  do  the  Scriptures  teach  us  of  ourselves? 

A.  That  we  are  all  great  and  miserable  sinners. 

2.  Q.  How  came  we  to  be  so  sinful  by  nature  ? 

A.  Our  first  parents  disobeyed  the  commands  of 
God  in  eating  of  the  forbidden  tree  in  Eden, 
and  we  have  by  nature  followed  their  exam- 
ple of  disobedience. 

8.  Q.  Are  there  none  among  men  who  are  sinless? 

A.  Ps.  xiv.  3. 

4.  Q.  Was  there  ever  a man  on  earth  who  was  per- 
fectly sinless? 

A.  Hebrews  iv.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  result  of  our  persistent  wickedness  ? 
A.  We  must  die  and  perish, 

2.  Q.  How  will  we  die  and  perish  ? 


14 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


A.  Our  bodies  will  decay  into  dust,  and  our  souls 
go  to  the  place  of  punishment. 

■8.  Q.  Where  are  we  told  that  our  bodies  will  decay? 

A.  Gen.  hi.  19. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  it  said  that  the  souls  of  the  wicked 
shall  perish  ? 

A.  Ezek.  xviii.  4. 

1.  Q.  Can  we  prevent  our  death  ? 

A.  ISTo  ; for  this  is  the  penalty  of  our  natural  sin. 

.2.  Q.  What  do  we  mean  by  natural  sin  ? 

A.  That  which  has  descended  to  us  as  a result  of  the 
fall  of  Adam. 

•8.  Q.  Are  there  any  instances  recorded  in  the  Bible 
of  those  who  did  not  see  death  ? 

A.  2 Kings  ii.  11 ; Heb.  xi.  5. 

‘4.  Q.  By  Adam’s  sin  death  comes  to  all ; how  then  can 
we  avoid  the  consequences  of  death  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  21,  22. 

1,  Q.  Does  the  Bible  tell  us  how  we  may  avoid  eter- 
nal misery? 

A.  Yes;  by  believing  on  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

•2.  Q.  What  does  believing  in  Christ  include  ? 

A.  Faith  in  him  and  following  his  commands. 

8.  Q.  Can  Faith  and  Works  be  separated? 

A.  St.  Jas.  ii.  22. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  power  which  should  influence  us  to 
faith  and  good  works  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  V.  14, 15. 

1.  Q.  How  may  we  learn  how  to  believe  in  our 
Saviour  ? 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


15 


A.  The  Bible  tells  ns  what  we  ought  to  do,  and 
gives  us  the  example  of  Christ  to  follow. 

2.  Q.  How  are  we  to  know  what  the  Bible  teaches  ? 
A.  By  listening  to  the  voice  of  the  Church,  which 

is  “ the  pillar  and  witness  of  the  Truth.” 

3.  Q.  What  does'  St.  Paul  lay  down  as  the  principal 

doctrines  of  the  Gospel  ? 

A.  Heb.  vi.  1,  2. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  catalogue  of  virtues  which  St.  Peter 

tells  us  we  must  add  to  our  Faith  ? 

A.  2 Peter  i.  5-8. 

1.  Q.  What  does  Scripture  tell  us  will  happen  if  we  do 

not  love  and  follow  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  We  shall  go  to  a place  where  we  shall  always 
be  unhappy. 

2.  Q.  How  is  this  place  described  in  Scripture  ? 

A.  As  “ a lake  which  burneth  with  fire  and  brim- 
stone, where  the  Devil  and  false  prophet  are, 
in  torment  forever.” 

3.  Q.  In  what  consists  the  punishment  of  hell  ? 

A.  2 Thess.  i.  9. 

4.  Q.  Will  this  punishment  ever  come  to  an  end  ? 

A.  Eev.  xiv.  11. 

1.  Q.  What  then  should  we  always  seek  to  do? 

A.  To  follow  the  example  of  Christ  in  all  things, 
that  so  we  may  dwell  with  Him  forever. 

2.  Q.  Is  it  possible  to  follow  Christ  in  all  things  ? 

A.  Ho ; but  we  may  strive  to  do  so,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  and  this  endeavor  will  be  accepted, 
though  it  be  an  imperfect  service. 


16  THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADYENT. 

3.  Q.  The  temptations  to  sin  are  very  great ; is  it  there- 

fore impossible  to  obey  the  commands  of 
Christ  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  13. 

4.  Q.  "What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  himself  and  all  who 

are  faithful  unto  death  ? 

A.  2 Tim.  iv.  7,  8. 


“ She  has  a charm,  a word  of  fire, 

A pledge  of  love  that  cannot  tire ; 

By  tempests,  earthquakes,  and  by  wars, 
By  rushing  waves  and  falling  stars, 

By  every  sign  her  Lord  foretold, 

She  sees  the  world  is  waxing  old, 

And  through  that  last  and  direst  storm 
Descries  by  faith  her  Saviour’s  form.” 

KeUe. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

The  Collect. 

0LORD  Jesus  Christ,  who  at  thy  first  coming  didst 
send  thy  messenger  to  prepare  thy  way  before 
thee ; Grant  that  the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy 
mysteries  may  likewise  so  prepare  and  make  ready  thy 
way,  by  turning  the  hearts  of  the  disobedient  to  the 
wisdom  of  the  just,  that  at  thy  second  coming  to  judge 
the  world  we  may  be  found  an  acceptable  people  in 
thy  sight,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Spirit,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 

Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 Cor.  iv.  1. — The  Gospel.  St,  Matt.  xi.  2. 

1.  Q.  Who  Leralded  the  first  advent  of  Christ? 

A.  St.  John  the  Baptist. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


ir 


2.  Q.  How  did  St.  John  prepare  the  way  for  the  com- 
ing of  Christ  ? 

A.  By  directing  their  attention  to  him,  and  show- 
ing them  how  the  prophecies  were  fulfilled  in 
him. 

8.  Q.  How  did  St.  John  know  who  the  Messiah  was? 
A.  Matt.  xi.  4,  5. 

4.  Q.  What  did  St.  John  say  of  our  Saviour? 

A.  St.  John  i.  2T. 

1.  Q.  Who  announce  the  second  advent  of  Christ? 

A.  The  ministers  of  the  Gospel. 

2.  Q.  Who  were  the  first  ministers  of  the  Gospel? 

A.  The  twelve  Apostles,  who  preached  the  words 
which  they  heard  their  Master  utter. 

3.  Q.  Who  were  next  selected  by  our  Saviour  to  preach 

the  glad  tidings  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  X.  1. 

4.  Q.  Did  our  Saviour,  who  is  the  head  of  the  Church,. 

take  upon  himself  the  ofiSce  of  the  ministry  ?.' 
A.  Heb.  V.  5. 

1.  Q.  By  whom  were  the  ministers  sent  ? 

A.  By  Christ  himself. 

2.  Q.  How  are  ministers  now  sent  by  our  Saviour? 

A.  Through  the  Bishops,  who  were  authorized  bp 

Christ  to  perpetuate  the  ministry. 

3.  Q.  What  are  the  words  of  the  commission  to  serve 

Christ  in  the  ministry  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 

4.  Q.  What  proof  have  we  that  this  divine  commission 

is  necessary  ? 


18 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADYENT. 


A.  Heb.  V.  4. 

1.  Q.  How  many  kinds  or  orders  of  ministers  did 

Christ  send  ? 

A.  Three : Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons. 

2.  Q.  AYhat  were  the  first  Bishops  called  ? 

A.  Apostles,  which  title  was  reserved  to  distinguish 
those  who  were  personally  appointed  by  Christ. 

3.  Q.  How  do  you  prove,  from  Scripture,  that  the 

Apostles  had  power  to  send  ministers  as 
Christ  bad  sent  them  ? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  21. 

4.  Q.  Can  you  give  any  Scripture  instances  of  such 

consecration  ? 

A.  1 Tim.  V.  22  ; Tit.  i.  5. 

1.  Q.  For  what  were  ministers  sent? 

A.  To  preach  the  gospel  and  to  administer  the  Holy 
Sacraments. 

2.  Q.  How  many  gospels  are  there  ? 

A.  Four,  or  rather  one  gospel,  according  to  St. 
Matthew,  St.  Mark,  St.  Luke,  and  St.  John. 
•3.  Q.  What  is  the  object  of  the  Acts  of  the  Holy  Apos- 
tles? 

A.  To  teach  us  of  the  establishment  of  the  visible 
Church  of  Christ. 

• L Q.  What  are  the  Epistles  ? 

A.  They  are  the  explanations  of  the  various  doc- 
trines contained  in  the  gospel,  with  exhorta- 
tions to  believe  and  obey  them,  and  are  de- 
signed to  apply  to  all  men,  as  well  as  to  those 
to  whom  they  were  sent. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


19 


1.  Q.  What  is  it  to  preach  the  gospel  ? 

A.  To  proclaim  and  explain  the  word  of  God. 

2.  Q,  How  is  this  to  he  done  ? 

A.  By  revealing  the  word  of  God  as  it  is  received 
by  the  Holy  Catholic  Church. 

8.  Q.  Why  should  we  rely  upon  the  voice  of  the 
Church  in  the  interpretation  of  Scripture  ? 

A.  2 Peter  i.  20. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  not  all,  in  a certain  sense,  commanded 
to  do  the  work  of  ministers  ? 

A.  1 Peter  iv.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  is  it  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacraments  ? 
A.  To  apply  the  visible  means  of  grace  which  Christ 

gave  us. 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  visible  means  of  Grace  ? 

A.  Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper,  which  the 
Church  teaches  are  sacraments  “generally 
necessary  to  Salvation.” 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  Baptism  is  designed  for 

our  assistance  towards  Salvation  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  5. 

4.  Q.  Where  are  we  assured  of  the  benefit  of  the  eu- 

charistic  feast  ? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  56,  57. 

1.  Q,  What  is  the  great  object  of  the  administration 

of  the  Word  and  Sacraments? 

A.  To  warn  and  to  assist  us  “ to  flee  from  the  wrath 
to  come.” 

2.  Q.  How  long  a time  is  given  us  to  prepare  for  the 

judgment  ? 

2* 


20 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  AD /ENT. 


A.  Our  natural  life ; for  after  death  there  is  neither 
time  nor  place  for  repentance. 

3.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  say  of  his  work,  which 

equally  applies  to  the  work  of  our  salvation  ? 
A.  St.  John  ix.  4. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  all  our  actions  will  be 

judged  by  God? 

A.  Eccles.  xii.  14. 

‘‘  Go  preach  my  gospel,”  saith  the  Lord, 

“ Bid  the  whole  earth  my  grace  receive  ; 
Explain  to  them  my  sacred  word. 

Bid  them  believe,  obey,  and  live.” 

Hy.  98. 

THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 

The  Collect, 

0LORD,  raise  up,  we  pray  thee,  thy  power,  and 
come  among  us,  and  with  great  might  succor  us ; 
that  whereas,  through  our  sins  and  wickedness,  we  are 
sore  let  and  hindered  in  running  the  race  that  is  set 
before  us,  thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy  may  speedily 
help  and  deliver  us ; through  the  satisfaction  of  thy 
Son  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Phil.  iv.  ^.  — The  Gospel.  St.  John  i.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  Second  Advent  of  Christ? 

A.  His  coming  in  judgment  at  the  last  day. 

2.  Q.  What  is  meant  by  Christ’s  coming  in  judgment? 
A.  His  presence  for  a second  time  in  the  flesh,  to 
examine  the  actions  of  men,  and  pronounce 
their  reward  or  punishment. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


21 


8.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  Christ  will  judge  the 
world  ? 

A.  St.  John  V.  22. 

4.  Q.  Who  will  sit  with  Christ  in  the  capacity  of 
judges? 

A.  St.  Matthew  xix.  28. 

1.  Q.  Will  this  judgment  he  general? 

A.  Yes;  every  one  who  ever  lived,  from  Adam 
down,  will  he  judged. 

2.  Q.  How  does  reason  suggest  a general  judgment  ? 
A.  The  practice  of  virtue  or  vice  produces  in  the 

mind  either  contentment  or  remorse,  and 
this  sensibility  suggests  future  rewards  and 
punishments. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Job  say  of  the  wicked  who  prosper 

in  this  world  ? 

A.  Job  xxi.  30. 

4.  Q.  What  does  the  Preacher  say  of  those  who  fol- 

low the  inclinations  of  their  evil  hearts? 

A.  Eccles.  xi.  9. 

1.  Q.  How  do  the  Scriptures  assure  us  of  a judgment? 
A.  Our  Saviour  distinctly  portrays  the  scenes  of 

the  judgment. 

2.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  tell  us  ? 

A.  “We  shall  all  stand  before  the  judgment  seat  of 
Christ.” 

3.  Q.  What  assurance  has  God  given  us  of  a general 

judgment? 

A.  Acts  xvii.  31. 

4.  Q.  How  will  the  judgment  corned 


22 


THE  EOUETH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


A.  2 Pet.  iii.  10. 

1.  Q.  When  will  the  judgment  be  ? 

A.  At  the  end  of  the  world. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  the  judgment  reserved  till  the  end  of 

the  world? 

A.  That  all  may  hear  our  sentence,  whether  it  be 
of  reward  or  punishment. 

3.  Q.  When  we  die  do  we  go  immediately  into  the 

place  of  happiness  or  misery  ? 

A.  Yes;  but  it  is  not  until  after  the  resurrection, 
when  the  body  is  joined  with  the  soul,  that 
we  shall  receive  our  full  reward  or  punish- 
ment. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  ground  of  this  belief? 

A.  As  the  body  is  partaker  of  the  righteousness  or 
sin  of  the  soul,  so  it  must  partake  of  the  re- 
ward or  punishment,  which  cannot  transpire 
until  after  the  resurrection  and  day  of  judg- 
ment. 

1.  Q.  Why  will  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  judge  the 

world  ? 

A.  That  He  w^ho  was  despised,  may  be  honored  be- 
fore men. 

2.  Q.  How  will  he  be  thus  honored? 

A.  He  will  be  the  Judge,  who  himself  once  stood 
before  a human  tribunal  as  a criminal. 

3.  Q.  What  is  the  reason  of  this  exaltation  of  our 

Saviour  ? 

A.  Philip,  ii.  8,  9. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  ADVENT. 


23 


4.  Q.  What  does  Isaiah  prophesy  of  his  glory  in  that 
day? 

A.  Isa.  xl.  5. 

1.  Q.  Who  will  he  judged  on  that  day  ? 

A.  All  angels  and  men,  from  the  greatest  to  the 
meanest. 

2.  Q.  For  what  shall  we  he  judged  ? 

A.  For  the  deeds  done  here  in  the  body,  whether 
they  he  good  or  had. 

3.  Q.  Will  all  receive  equal  reward  or  punishment? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  41. 

4.  Q.  What  will  he  the  standard  hy  which  we  shall 

he  judged? 

A.  St.  Luke  xii.  47,  48. 

1.  Q.  Is  the  time  of  our  Saviour’s  coming  fixed? 

A.  Ko ; it  is  one  of  the  secrets  of  God. 

2.  Q.  Did  not  our  Saviour  give  a general  idea  of  when 

the  judgment  should  he? 

A.  He  said  that  there  should  he  signs ; hut  as  man, 
he  did  not  know  the  exact  time. 

3.  Q.  How  do  you  prove  this  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xiii.  32. 

4.  Q.  What  should  we  he  looking  for  at  his  coming  ? 
A.  Titus  ii.  13. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  certainty  of  the  judgment  teach 

us? 

A.  That  we  should  prepare  to  meet  our  Judge. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  make  this  preparation  ? 

A.  By  improving  all  those  talents  which  God  has 
intrusted  to  us. 


24 


CHRISTMAS  DAY. 


3.  Q.  What  does  the  uncertainty  of  the  time  of  judg- 

ment suggest  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  44. 

4.  Q.  What  assurance  of  our  Saviour  should  encour- 

age us  to  make  this  preparation? 

A.  2 Pet.  iii.  9. 


Great  God,  what  do  I see  and  hear ! 

The  end  of  things  created : 

The  J udge  of  man  I see  appear, 

On  clouds  of  glory  seated 
The  trumpet  sounds,  the  graves  restore 
The  dead  which  they  contained  before  ; 
Prepare,  my  soul,  to  meet  him.” 

Hy.  194. 


CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

The  Collect. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  thy  only-be- 
gotten Son  to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  and  as  at 
this  time  to  be  born  of  a pure  virgin  ; Grant  that  we 
being  regenerate,  and  made  thy  children  by  adoption 
and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy  Holy  Spirit ; 
through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  same  Spirit,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Heb.  i.  l.—The  Gospel.  St.  John  i.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  day  is  this  ? 

A.  The  birthday  of  our  Saviour. 

2.  Q.  What  is  our  authority  for  celebrating  Christmas 
on  December  25  th? 


CHRISTMAS-DAY. 


25 


A.  The  authority  of  the  Primitive  Church,  and  its 
observance  by  all  Christians  since  the  time  of 
our  Saviour. 

3.  Q.  When  does  St.  Luke  date  the  birth  of  Christ? 

A.  St.  Luke  ii.  1,  2. 

4.  Q.  Is  it  really  of  importance  on  what  day  we  cele- 

brate the  nativity? 

A.  Not  if  we  set  apart  some  particular  day  for  the 
expression  of  our  gratitude  and  devotion  for 
this  greatest  of  all  blessings. 

1.  Q.  How  does  the  Church  celebrate  Christmas? 

A.  By  her  beautiful  services. 

2.  Q.  What  external  mark  of  joy  is  universally 

adopted  ? 

A.  The  green  boughs  with  which  we  decorate  our 
churches. 

3.  Q.  What  authority  have  we  for  this  custom  in  the 

Old  Testament  ? 

A.  Isai.  lx.  13. 

4.  Q.  Eelate  a like  expression  of  joy  in  the  New  Testa- 

ment. 

A.  St.  John  xii.  12,  13. 

1.  Q.  Who  was  the  mother  of  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  The  Virgin  Mary,  of  the  house  and  lineage  of 
David. 

2.  Q.  To  whom  was  the  B.  V.  Mary  espoused  ? 

A.  To  Joseph,  a carpenter,  who  was  also  of  the 
family  of  David. 

3.  Q.  What  sign  did  Isaiah  predict  of  the  birth  of  our 

Saviour  ? 

3 


26 


CHEISTMAS-DAY. 


A.  Isai.  vii.  14. 

4.  Q.  What  was  the  exclamation  of  Mary  when  she 
knew  who  her  son  was  to  he  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  i.  46,  47,  48. 

1.  Q.  Where  was  Jesus  Christ  horn? 

A.  In  Bethlehem,  six  miles  south  of  Jerusalem. 

2.  Q.  At  what  place  in  Bethlehem  ? 

A.  In  a lowly  manger,  surrounded  by  cattle;  as 
there  was  no  room  for  his  parents  at  the  inn. 

3.  Q.  Why  was  Bethlehem  called  the  city  of  David  ? 
A.  1 Sam.  xvii.  12. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  it  foretold  that  Christ  should  be  born 

at  Bethlehem  ? 

A.  Micah  v.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  does  Christmas  teach  us? 

A.  That  Christ  was  man  as  well  as  God. 

2.  Q.  Of  what  does  his  royal  descent  assure  us? 

A.  That  as  David  his  father  was  the  temporal  king 
of  the  chosen  people  of  God,  so  Christ  is  the 
spiritual  king. 

3.  Q.  What  prophecy  predicts  the  incarnation  ? 

A.  Isai.  ix.  6. 

4.  Q.  What  was  the  testimony  of  St.  John  ? 

A.  St.  John  i.  14. 

1.  Q.  Who  published  to  the  world  the  birth  of  our 

Saviour  ? 

A.  The  Angel  of  the  Lord,  to  the  shepherds  wh^ 
were  feeding  their  flocks  by  night. 

2.  Q.  How  did  the  angel  dissipate  the  terror  of  the 

shepherds  ? 


CHRISTMAS‘DAY. 


27 


A.  By  announcing  that  in  the  city  of  David  a 
Saviour  was  born  which  is  Christ  the  Lord. 

3.  Q.  By  what  sign  did  the  angel  tell  them  to  recog- 

nize Christ  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  ii.  12. 

4.  Q.  At  this  news,  what  did  the  angel  and  heavenly 

host  say  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  ii.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  does  Christmas  mean  ? 

A.  The  mass,  or  prayer  or  service  to  Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  has  it  always  been  esteemed  ? 

A.  The  greatest  of  all  our  festivals,  and  celebrated 
from  Apostolic  times  to  this  day. 

3.  Q.  Is  this  gift  of  God,  in  his  Son,  designed  to  he  be- 

stowed on  all  men  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  16. 

4.  Q.  What  then  should  we  exclaim,  in  acknowledg- 

ment of  this  inestimable  gift  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  ix.  15. 

“ The  first  Noel  an  angel  sung, 

The  carol  of  an  angel  tongue, 

While  shepherds  watching  o’er  the  night, 

Heard  both  the  song,  and  saw  the  light. 

Noel,  Noel, 

Born  is  the  King  of  Israel. 

In  gentle  bands  the  infant  lay, 

In  manger,  ’mid  the  corn  and  hay  ; 

The  Son  of  David’s  royal  line 
Was  born  within  the  stalls  for  kine. 

Noel,  Noel, 

Born  is  the  King  of  Israel.  ” 

From  an  “ Olden  Composure,^"* 


28  the  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 


THE  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 
The  Collect. 


A LMIGHTY  God,  who  hast  given  us  thy  only-be- 
gotten  Son  to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  and  as 
at  this  time  to  be  born  of  a pure  virgin ; Grant  that 
we  being  regenerate,  and  made  thy  children  by  adop- 
tion and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit;  through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  same  Spirit,  ever 
one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Gal.  iv.  1. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  1. 18. 


1.  Q.  "What  do  we  first  learn  from  the  circumstances 

of  the  Nativity  ? 

A.  That  Christ  came  in  poverty  to  redeem  even  the 
poorest. 

2.  Q.  To  whom,  therefore,  was  his  birth  first  an- 

nounced ? 


A.  To  the  simple  shepherds  of  Bethlehem. 

3,  Q.  What  comfort  is  here  suggested  to  the  hum- 

blest ? 

A.  Isaiah  xxix.  19. 

4.  Q.  How  is  the  mercy  of  God  manifested  through 

the  poverty  of  Chilst  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  viii.  9. 

1.  Q.  Did  the  Jews  look  for  the  birth  of  Christ? 

A.  Yes ; but  they  did  not  expect  him  to  come  in 
poverty. 

2.  Q.  How  general  was  the  belief  of  the  appearance 

of  a great  deliverer  ? 


THE  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 


29 


A.  Suetonius  says  that  throughout  the  East  the 
belief  was  general  that  an  universal  ruler 
should  come  out  of  Judea.” 

3.  Q.  "What  is  the  testimony  of  Tacitus  ? 

A.  ‘‘  That  it  was  contained  in  the  ancient  books  of 
the  priests,  that  the  governors  of  the  world 
should  come  out  of  Judea.” 

4.  Q.  How  does  this  testimony  harmonize  with  the 

prophet  Micah  ? 

A.  Mic.  V.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  principal  office  of  our  Saviour? 
A.  To  make  known  to  man  the  will  of  God. 

2.  Q.  How  was  this  to  be  attained  ? 

A.  By  coming  into  the  world  and  mingling  with 
those  to  whom  he  brought  the  glad  tidings. 

3.  Q.  What  was  this  will  of  God  ? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  40. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  result  if  this  will  of  God  be  de- 

spised ? 

A.  John  iii.  36. 

1.  Q.  How  was  Christ  peculiarly  fitted  to  make  known 

the  will  of  God  ? 

A.  By  the  dignity  and  excellency  of  his  person. 

2.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour’s  dignity  assist  him  in  his 

mission  ? 

A.  As  proceeding  directly  from  the  bosom  of  the 
Father,  and  being  one  with  him. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  intimate  communion 

existed  between  the  Father  and  the  Son? 

A.  John  iii.  34. 

3* 


30  the  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHEISTMAS-DAT. 


4.  Q.  Did  this  union  embrace  all  the  properties  of  God  ? 
A.  Col.  ii.  9. 

1.  Q.  Mention  another  qualification  of  our  Saviour  for 

his  work  ? 

A.  His  ability  in  expressing  his  doctrines  and  pre- 
cepts. 

2.  Q.  In  what  consists  the  perfection  of  l*is  doctrines? 
A.  The  clearness  with  which  they  reveal  all  that 

is  necessary  for  the  welfare  and  happiness  ot 
man. 

8.  Q.  Of  what  do  the  precepts  of  our  Saviour  remind 
us? 

A.  Of  all  the  duties  which  we  owe  to  God,  our 
neighbor,  and  ourselves. 

4.  Q.  How  has  Christ  summed  up  these  duties  ? 

A.  Matt.  xxii.  37,  38,  39,  40. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  blessed  Jesus  enforce  his  principles? 
A.  By  the  brightness  of  his  example. 

2.  Q.  Did  he  use  no  force  in  bringing  men  to  him? 

A.  No  other  than  the  force  of  love. 

3.  Q.  What  did  he  recommend  those  who  came  unto 

him  to  do  ? 

A.  St.  Matth.  xi.  29. 

4.  Q-  What  testimony  does  St.  Peter  give  of  the  purity 

and  consistency  of  his  example  ? 

A.  1 Pet.  ii.  22,  23. 

1.  Q.  What  power  had  our  Saviour  which  gave  force 
to  his  work  ? 

A.  Assistance  by  grace  and  precious  promises  of 
reward. 


TUB  SUNDAY  AFTER  CHRISTMAS-DAY. 


31 


2.  Q.  What  was  this  grace  which  Christ  bestowed? 

A.  His  Holy  Spirit ; which  afterwards  was  to  be 

conveyed  by  means  of  the  lawful  administra- 
tion of  his  holy  Sacrament. 

3.  Q.  What  was  St.  Paul’s  testimony  as  to  the  suffi- 

ciency of  that  grace  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  xii.  9. 

4.  Q.  Is  it  impossible  to  attain  the  promises  without 

the  assistance  of  Christ  ? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  then  should  be  our  great  feeling  at  Christ- 

mas-tide? 

A.  That  of  thankfulness  for  the  love  of  God  mani- 
fested in  Christ. 

2.  Q.  How  should  we  express  this  thankfulness  ? 

A.  By  imitating  the  infinite  love  of  our  Saviour,  and 
following  his  glorious  example. 

3.  Q.  How  may  we  abuse  this  festive  season  ? 

A.  When  w’e  make  an  external  display  of  joy,  and 
do  not  embrace  and  hold  fast  the  blessed 
hope  which  is  given  us  in  our  Saviour  Christ. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  promised  benefits  of 

Christ’s  incarnation  will  be  realized  ? 

A.  Eom.  viii.  32. 

0 Thou  who  keep’st  the  key  of  Love, 

Open  thy  fount,  Eternal  Dove, 

And  overflow  this  heart  of  mine, 

Enlarging  as  it  fills  with  Thee, 

Till  in  one  blaze  of  charity. 

Care  and  remorse  are  lost,  like  motes  in  light  divine.^’ 

Kcble. 


32 


THE  CIBCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 

The  Collect. 

Almighty  God,  who  madest  thy  blessed  Son  to 
be  circumcised,  and  obedient  to  the  Law  for  man ; 
Grant  us  the  true  Circumcision  of  the  Spirit;  that, 
our  hearts,  and  all  our  members,  being  mortified  from 
all  worldly  and  carnal  lusts,  we  may  in  all  things  obey 
thy  blessed  will;  through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  iv.  S.—The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  ii.  15. 

li  Q.  When  do  we  celebrate  the  festival  of  the  circum- 
cision ? 

A.  Eight  days  after  Christmas,  when  our  Saviour 
received  his  name. 

2.  Q.  What  was  circumcision  ? 

A.  The  rite  by  which  Jewish  children  were  received 
into  the  Church  of  God. 

3.  Q.  What  penalty  attached  to  those  who  were  not 
circumcised  ? 

A.  Gen.  xvii.  14. 

4.  Q.  With  whom  was  the  covenant  of  circumcision 
first  made  ? 

A.  Gen.  xvii.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  original  design  of  circumcision  ? 
A.  As  a sign  that  they  should  inherit  the  land  of 
promise. 

2.  Q.  Why  should  it  have  been  made  visible? 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 


33 


A.  To  remind  them  to  strive  after  the  invisible 
grace  which  would  make  them  inheritors  of 
heaven. 

3.  Q.  Upon  whom  was  the  rite  of  circumcision  bind- 

ing? 

A.  Upon  all  the  Jews  throughout  the  world  who 
lived  before  Christ. 

4.  Q.  Why  is  it  not  binding  now  ? 

A.  Because  our  Saviour,  who  is  the  head  of  the 
Church,  has  substituted  another  form  of  ad- 
mission into  his  Church. 

1.  Q.  What  was  it  that  Christ  substituted  for  circum- 

cision ? 

A . Baptism,  at  which  time  our  Christian  name  is 
given. 

2.  Q.  Upon  whom  is  baptism  to  be  administered  ? 

A.  On  all  who  desire  to  enter  into  the  covenant  of 
grace. 

8.  Q.  Was  outward  circumcision  all  that  was  required? 
A.  Dent.  xxx.  6. 

4.  Q.  If  a person  is  baptized,  will  that  alone  save  him  ? 
A.  St.  Luke  xiii.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  may  we  learn  from  the  circumcision  of 

Jesus  ? 

A.  That  infants  are  to  be  admitted  to  the  covenant 
by  baptism. 

2.  Q.  Was  the  custom  of  infant  baptism  primitive  ? 

A.  Throughout  the  early  Church  we  read  of  it, 

from  the  time  of  the  Apostles. 

3.  Q.  What  argument  does  our  Saviour  seem  to  use? 


34 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 


A.  St.  Matth.  xix.  14. 

4.  Q.  What  other  argument  is  suggested  in  Scripture? 
A.  St.  John  hi.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  name  was  given  to  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  The  name  of  Jesus. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  name  mean  ? 

A.  Saviour,  because  he  came  to  save  them  which 
were  lost. 

3.  Q.  Who  gave  Christ  his  name  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  ii.  21. 

4.  Q.  Who  gave  you  your  name  ? 

A.  “ My  sponsors  in  baptism,  wherein  I was  made 
a member  of  Christ,  the  Child  of  God,  and  an 
inheritor  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.” 

1.  Q.  Why  was  our  Saviour  circumcised,  seeing  that 

he  was  sinless  ? 

A.  In  order  that,  being  under  the  law,  he  might 
redeem  us  from  the  law. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  he  obey  the  whole  law  ? 

A.  To  set  us  an  example  of  obedience,  that  we  might 
be  perfect  in  all  things. 

3.  Q.  How  did  circumcision  help  the  Jew  spiritually  ? 
A.  It  assisted  him  in  cutting  off,  or  renouncing  all 

evil  passions  and  offences  against  God. 

4.  Q.  What  does  baptism  do  for  the  true  believer? 

A.  It  aids  him  in  mortifying  all  carnal  and  ungodly 
lusts. 

1.  Q.  Can  we  perfectly  obey  God  without  being  bap- 
tized ? 

A.  Ho ; for  our  Saviour  has  directly  commanded  it. 


THE  CIRCUMCISION  OF  CHRIST. 


35 


2.  Q.  What  is  the  outward  sign  in  baptism  ? 

A.  “Water,  wherein  the  person  is  baptized  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.” 

3.  Q.  What  inward  work  does  it  signify  ? 

A.  A death  unto  sin,  and  a life  unto  righteousness. 

4.  Q.  What,  therefore,  does  St.  Peter  say  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  38. 

1.  Q.  Did  the  promise  of  the  descent  of  the  Hoi}' 

Ghost  at  baptism  include  children  ? 

A.  St.  Peter  says,  “ to  you  and  to  your  children.” 

2.  Q.  What  then  is  our  duty  ? 

A.  To  receive  the  little  lambs  into  our  arms  as 
Jesus  did. 

3.  Q.  Baptism  frees  us  from  the  bondage  of  the  law ; 

what,  therefore,  should  we  strive  to  remem- 
ber on  this  festival  ? 

A.  Gal.  V.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  should  we  do  if  we  really  possess  the 

spirit  of  God  ? 

A.  Gal.  V.  25. 


“ By  blood  and  water  too 
God’s  mark  is  set  on  thee, 

That  in  Thee  every  faithful  view 
Both  covenants  might  see. 

If  thou  would’st  reap  in  love, 

First  sow  in  holy  fear ; 

So  life  a winter’s  morn  may  prove 
To  a bright  endless  year.” 


Keble. 


86 


THE  EPIPHANY. 


THE  EPIPHANY. 

The  Collect. 

OG0D,  who  by  the  leading  of  a star  didst  manifest 
thy  only-begotten  Son  to  the  Gentiles ; Merci- 
fully grant  that  we,  who  know  thee  now  by  faith, 
may  after  this  life  have  the  fruition  of  thy  glorious 
Godhead ; through  Jestjs  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Ephee.  iii.  l.—  The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  ii.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  festival  is  celebrated  on  the  6th  of  Jan.  ? 
A.  The  Epiphany,  or  the  manifestation  of  Christ  to 
the  Gentiles. 

2.  Q.  What  then  was  revealed  ? 

A.  A Saviour,  who  would  introduce  the  gentile 
world  into  a covenant  from  which  they  were 
excluded  by  the  Jewish  law. 

8.  Q,  Where  are  we  told  that  the  Gentiles  should  have 
equal  privileges  with  the  Jews  ? 

A.  Ephes.  iii.  6. 

4.  Q.  Who  was  the  great  Apostle  to  the  Gentiles  ? 

A.  Ephes.  iii.  1,  2. 

1.  Q.  How  was  Christ  manifested  to  the  Gentiles? 

A.  By  being  manifested  to  the  wise  men  of  the 
East,  who  represented  them. 

2.  Q.  Who  were  these  wise  men  ? 

A.  They  were  called  Magi,  a name  given  by  the 
Persians  to  Priests,  wise  men,  and  philoso- 
phers. 

?).  Q.  What  was  the  custom  of  the  Magi  ? 

A.  To  study  the  heavens  very  diligently. 


TUE  EPIPHANY. 


8T 


4.  Q.  What  arrested  their  attention  at  this  time? 

A.  A peculiar  luminary  in  the  heavens,  which  led 
them  to  expect  some  great  event,  such  as  the 
birth  of  a great  man. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  luminary  which  attracted  the 

Magi. 

A.  The  Star  in  the  East. 

2.  Q.  Were  tliey  expecting  the  appearance  of  this  Star? 
A.  Yes  ; tliey  were  watching  fur  some  kind  of  re- 
markable appearance  in  the  heavens. 

0.  Q.  What  prophecy  led  them  to  expect  it  ? 

A.  IsTumbers  xxiv.  17. 

4.  Q.  What  evidence  is  there  that  th.s  prophecy  re- 
ferred to  the  Epiphany  Star  ? 

A.  Eev.  xxii.  16. 

1.  Q.  Where  did  the  Star  guide  the  wise  men  ? 

A.  It  went  before  them  till  it  stood  over  the  place 
where  Jesus  lay. 

2.  Q.  To  whom  did  they  apply  for  information  ? 

A.  To  Herod,  the  King  of  Judea,  who  sent  to  in- 
quire of  the  Scribes  and  Chief  Priests. 

3.  Q.  What  answer  did  they  make  to  Herod  ? 

A.  Matth.  ii.  5,  6. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Herod  command  the  Magi  to  do  ? 

A.  Matth.  ii.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  wise  men  do  when  they  saw  tho 

Holy  Child? 

A.  They  fell  down  and  worshipped  Him. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  position  of  worship  among  the 

Orientals  ? 

4 


88 


THE  EPIPHANY. 


A.  Prostration,  or  falling  at  full  length  with  the  face 
to  the  ground. 

3.  Q.  Did  thej  return  to  Herod  to  tell  of  their  suc- 

cess ? 

A.  St.  Matth.  ii.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  evidence  have  we  that  Herod  was  not  sin- 

cere in  his  expressed  desire  to  worship  Christ 
with  the  wise  men  ? 

A.  St.  Matth.  ii.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  Magi  bring  with  them? 

A.  Gifts,  which  they  presented  to  the  Holy  Child. 

2.  Q.  What  were  these  gifts? 

A.  Gold,  frankincense,  and  myrrh,  the  choicest 
products  of  their  country. 

3.  Q.  What  gifts  are  we  expected  to  make  to  Christ? 
A.  Psa.  li.  17. 

4.  Q.  What  external  sacrifice  does  St.  Paul  suggest  as 

pleasing  to  God  ? 

A.  Heb.  xiii.  16. 

1.  Q.  Is  Christ  manifested  to  all  the  Gentiles? 

A.  Ho ; many  millions  have  not  as  yet  heard  of  him. 

2.  Q.  Who  are  the  Gentiles  now  ? 

A.  All  whom  we  call  the  heathen,  and  who  have 
never  received  the  good  news  of  the  gospel. 
:8.  Q.  What  prophecy  is  being  fulfilled  by  the  efibrts 
of  Christians? 

A.  Mai.  i.  11. 

4.  Q.  AYhat  promise  of  our  Saviour  encourages  us  to 
hope  that  this  knowledge  will  be  universal  ? 
A.  St.  Matth.  xxviii.  20. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


39 


1.  Q.  What  then  is  our  duty  ? 

A.  To  send  missionaries  to  teach  and  baptize  the 
heathen. 

2.  Q.  How  is  this  to  be  accomplished  ? 

A.  By  the  liberal  contributions  of  those  who  have 
felt  tie  value  and  love  of  Christ. 

3.  Q.  How  has  St.  Paul  represented  the  necessity  of 

missionary  action  among  Christians  ? 

A.  Kom.  X.  14,  15. 

4.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  say  of  him  who  has  re- 

ceived much  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xii.  48. 


“ Now  by  a strange  and  sudden  Star, 

Three  wise  men  went  their  way  afar ; 

And  journey’d  on  with  deep  intent 
To  seek  a king,  where’er  it  went. 

The  Star,  their  guide  ’twixt  North  and  West, 
O’er  Bethlehem’s  walls  at  length  took  rest; 

And  here  its  light  in  one  calm  stay, 

Fell  o’er  the  place  where  Jesus  lay. 

These  wise  men  three,  with  offerings  meet, 

Fall  down  and  worship  Jesus’  feet ; 

With  offerings  rich,  the  gift  of  old, 

Rare  myrrh,  and  frankincense  and  gold.” 

From  an  Olden  Composure. 

THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

The  Collect. 

OLORD,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  receive  the 
prayers  of  thy  people  who  call  upon  thee;  and 
grant  that  they  may  both  perceive  and  know 


iO  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

things  they  ought  to  do,  nnd  also  may  have  grace  and 
power  faitlifuily  to  fulfil  the  same;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  xii.  1. — The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  ii.  41. 

1.  Q.  Where  did  our  Saviour  pass  his  early  days? 

A.  At  N’azareth,  a city  in  Galilee. 

2.  Q.  How  long  did  Christ  dwell  in  Nazareth  ? 

A.  Until  he  commenced  his  public  ministry,  or 
about  thirty  years. 

3.  Q.  Why  did  our  Saviour  dwell  at  Nazareth,  instead 

of  Bethlehem,  where  he  was  born? 

A.  St.  Matth.  ii.  23. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  Christ  called  a Nazarene  in  the  Old  Tes- 

tament ? 

A.  As  the  word  Nazarene  signified  a slighted  and 
despised  person,  it  may  be  said  that  several 
of  the  Prophets  so  represented  Christ,  as  for 
example,  Isaiah  liii.  3. 

1.  Q.  How  old  was  Jesus  when  his  parents  took  him 

to  Jerusalem? 

A.  He  was  twelve  years  old. 

2.  Q.  What  did  they  go  to  Jerusalem  for  at  this  time? 
A.  To  be  present  at  the  feast  of  the  Passover. 

B.  Q.  What  were  the  three  great  festivals  of  the  Jews  ? 
A.  The  Passover,  Pentecost,  and  Feast  of  Taberna- 
cles; with  which  Easter,  Whit  Sunday,  and 
Christmas  correspond.in  the  Christian  Church. 
4.  Q.  Where  do  you  find  the  record  of  the  institution 
of  the  Passover? 

A.  Exod.  xii.  1-14. 


FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  41 


1.  Q.  Did  Jesus  return  with  his  father  and  mother 

when  they  left  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  1^0 ; he  remained  to  talk  with  the  Doctors  in 
the  Temple. 

2.  Q.  Where  did  his  parents  suppose  him  to  be  ? 

A.  Somewhere  in  the  company  or  caravan  in  which 
they  were  travelling. 

3.  Q.  What  was  the  effect  of  the  conversation  of 

Jesus? 

A.  St.  Luke  ii.  47. 

4.  Q.  In  what  posture  did  the  persons  instructed  pre- 

sent themselves  to  the  Jewish  Doctors  ? 

A.  Acts  xxii.  3. 

1.  Q.  Did  this  act  of  our  Saviour  show  a lack  of  re- 

spect to  his  parents  ? 

A.  No ; because  he  had  a great  work  to  perform^ 
which  they  did  not  understand. 

2.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  they  did  not  understand! 

his  true  character  ? 

A.  Because  they  were  astonished,  and  asked  himj 
why  he  was  there. 

3.  Q.  What  answer  did  he  make  to  their  inquiries? 

A.  St.  Luke  ii.  49. 

4.  Q.  Did  they  understand  this  answer  ? 

A.  Sr.  Luke  ii.  50. 

1.  Q.  What  may  children  learn  by  the  action  of  Christ 

in  the  Temple  ? 

A.  To  begin  early  to  serve  the  Lord. 

2.  Q.  Does  this  conflict  with  parental  authority? 

4* 


42  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


A.  No  ; for  no  authority  is  superior  to  God’s  law 
and  parents  have  no  right  to  demand  anything 
which  is  contrary  to  it. 

3.  Q.  What  encounigement  have  our  parents  to  bring 

up  their  children  in  the  service  of  God? 

A.  Prov.  xxii.  6. 

4.  Q.  What  assurance  have  children  that  their  service 

will  be  accepted  by  God  ? 

A.  Prov.  viii,  IT. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Christ  prove  his  obedience  to  his 

parents  ? 

A.  He  went  with  them  to  Hazareth,  and  was  sub- 
ject to  them. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  teach  us  ? 

A.  To  be  obedient  in  all  things  to  our  parents. 

5.  Q.  What  command  was  given  by  Moses  in  relation 

to  the  obedience  of  children 
A.  Exod.  XX.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  this  command  I 
A.  Eph.  vi.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  else  do  we  know  of  our  Saviour’s  child- 
hood? 

A.  Hothing  but  that  he  grew  in  wisdom  and  stat- 
ure, and  in  favor  with  God  and  man. 

% Q.  When  does  the  next  account  of  him  begin  ? 

A.  At  his  baptism  by  St.  John. 

3.  Q.  How  should  we  grow  in  order  to  be  like  Christ? 
A.  2 St.  Pet.  iii.  18. 

4 Q.  To  whom  will  God  give  this  grace  ? 

A.  Psa.lxxxiv.il. 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


43 


1.  Q.  How  shall  we  obtain  grace  to  follow  our  Sa- 

viour ? 

A.  By  humble  and  earnest  prayer. 

2.  Q.  For  what  do  we  pray  in  the  collect  for  to-day  ? 
A.  That  we  may  learn  our  duty,  and  have  grace  to 

do  it. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  tell  us  we  must  do  ? 

A.  Rom.  xii.  2. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  God  will  give  us  strength 

to  perform  this  duty  ? 

A.  Psa.  cxlv.  18,  19. 


“ Jesus,  when  a little  child, 

Taught  us  what  we  ought  to  be ; 

Holy,  harmless,  undefiled, 

Was  the  Saviour’s  infancy ; 

All  the  Father’s  glory  shone 
In  the  person  of  His  Son. 

In  his  heavenly  Father’s  house, 

Jesus  spent  his  early  days; 

There  he  paid  his  solemn  vows, 

There  proclaimed  his  Father’s  praise ; 

Thus  it  was  his  lot  to  gain 

Favor  both  with  God  and  man.’* 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 
The  Collect, 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern 
all  tilings  in  heaven  and  earth;  Mercifully  hear 
the  supplications  of  thy  people,  and  grant  us  thy  peace 


44  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


all  the  days  of  our  life;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  xii.  Q.—The  Gospel.  St.  John  ii.  L 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  first  thing  we  read  of  in  connection 

with  Christ’s  ministry  ? 

A.  II is  baptism  by  St.  John  the  Baptist. 

2.  Q.  Where  was  he  baptized  ? 

A.  In  the  river  Jordan. 

3.  Q.  What  remarkable  voice  proclaimed  the  charac- 

ter of  Jesus  at  the  time  of  his  baptism  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  iii.  22. 

4.  Q.  At  what  other  time  did  this  voice  come  to  the 

ears  of  Christ  ? 

A.  St.  John  xii.  28. 

1.  Q.  What  followed  immediately  after  the  baptism  of 

.Christ  ? 

A.  He  was  led  into  the  wilderness  to  be  tempted. 

2.  Q.  By  whom  was  our  Saviour  led  into  the  wilder- 

ness? 

A.  By  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  order  that,  as  he  came  to 
overcome  sin,  he  might  overcome  Satan,  who 
was  the  cause  of  all  human  misery. 

3.  Q.  What  was  our  Saviour’s  preparation  for  this  temp- 

tation ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  iv.  2. 

4.  Q.  When  did  our  Saviour  say  was  the  time  when 

his  disciples  should  fast  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  ix.  15. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  Devil  tempt  Jesus? 


SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  45 


A.  First  by  calling  upon  him  to  show  forth  his  mi- 
raculous power. 

2.  Q.  In  what  way  did  he  ask  him  to  show  this  power  1 
A.  When  he  was  hungered,  to  turn  the  stones  into 
bread,  for  his  refreshment. 

8.  Q.  What  Scripture  did  Satan  quote  in  connection 
with  the  second  temptation  ? 

A.  Psalm  xci.  11,  12. 

4.  Q.  With  what  quotation  did  Jesus  answer  Satan  in 
the  third  temptation  ? 

A.  Deut.  X.  20. 

1.  Q.  Did  Christ  ever  manifest  his  power  by  miracles? 
A.  Yes;  he  began  performing  miracles  at  the  mar- 
riage in  Cana  of  Galilee. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  nature  of  this  miracle  ? 

A.  The  turning  of  water  into  wine. 

3.  Q.  Wherein  consisted  the  propriety  of  this  miracle 

as  an  introduction  to  the  work  of  Jesus  ? 

A.  As  a type  of  the  “ turning  of  the  water  of  earth 
into  the  wine  of  heaven.” 

4.  Q.  How  did  St.  Peter  say  that  Christ  was  approved 

of  God? 

A.  Acts  ii.  22. 

1.  Q.  What  is  a miracle  ? 

A.  A work  which  plainly  signifies  the  power  of  God. 

2.  Q.  How  many  of  our  Lord’s  miracles  are  recorded 

in  the  gospels? 

A.  Thirty-three ; although  we  may  infer  that  he 
performed  many  more  in  the  course  of  his 
charitable  ministry. 


46  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

8.  Q.  Give  me  an  instance  where  one  of  the  Apostles 
performed  a miracle  by  the  authority  and 
power  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Acts  iii.  6. 

4.  Q.  Did  Jesus  predict  that  pretenders  should  follow 
him  who  would  profess  to  perform  miracles  ? 
A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  24. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  object  of  the  miracles  of  Christ? 
A.  To  show  his  glory  and  mercy. 

2.  Q.  What  was  this  glory  ? 

A.  The  glory  of  divinity,  by  which  power  he  work- 
ed his  miracles. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  in  reference  to  the  glory 

of  our  blessed  Lord? 

A.  St.  John  i.  14. 

4.  Q.  In  what  should  we  glory  ? 

A.  Jer.  ix.  24. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  eifect  of  this  manifestation  of 

Christ’s  power  at  Cana  of  Galilee? 

A.  His  disciples  believed  on  him. 

2.  Q.  What  miracle  will  Jesus  work  in  us,  if  we  ask 

him? 

A.  He  will  transform  us  into  holy  beings,  as  he 
turned  the  water  into  wine. 

3.  Q.  Is  every  man  so  transformed  before  he  can  be  a 

true  Christian  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  V.  17. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  to  obtain  this  gift  of  transforma- 

tion ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  8. 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  JtT 


1.  Q.  What  ivill  be  the  result  of  this  miracle  wrought 
in  us? 

A.  We  shall  receive  that  peace  for  which  we  pray 
in  the  Collect. 

i.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  this  peace  of  God  ? 

. A.  That  firm  assurance  which  is  granted  us  with 
the  knowledge  that  our  sins,  for  Christ’s  sake, 
are  forgiven. 

1.  Q.  What  assurance  have  the  righteous  that  this 
peace  will  be  bestowed  ? 

A.  Psalm  cxix.  165 ; Philip,  iv.  7. 

L Q.  What  benediction  did  our  Saviour  pronounce 
upon  his  disciples  at  the  time  that  he  prom- 
ised them  the  Comforter,  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

A.  St.  John  xiv.  27. 


As  by  thy  power  in  Galilee 

“ The  modest  water  blush’d  to  see  its  Lord,” 
So  teach  me  in  humility 

To  turn  my  ear  to  Thy  most  Holy  Word. 

0 blessed  Lord,  with  pow’r  divine, 

Work  in  my  heart  the  miracle  of  grace, 
That  I may  be  entirely  Thine ; 

Be  filled  with  thy  life  and  joy  and  peace. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 
The  Collect, 

LMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  mercifully  look 
L upon  our  infirmities,  and  in  all  our  dangers  and 


4:8  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

necessities  stretch  forth  thy  right  hand  to  help  and  de- 
fend us ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  xii.  16. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  viii.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  striking  feature  in  the  gospel  for 

this  day  ? 

A.  Our  Lord’s  mercy  to  the  Koman  Centurion,  who 
was  a Gentile. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  this  act  striking  ? 

A.  Because  the  Jews  had  always  considered  them- 
selves as  the  only  nation  on  whom  God  would 
bestow  mercy. 

3.  Q.  Where  do  you  find  an  intimation  in  prophecy 

that  Christ  would  extend  his  mercy  to  the  | 
Gentiles  ? 

A.  Isaiah  xlix.  6. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  testimony  of  Christ  to  this  fact  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  viii.  11.- 

1.  Q.  In  what  consists  the  peculiarity,  of  this  miracle? 
A.  That  our  Lord,  in  his  ministry  thus  showed  his 

power  to  the  Gentiles? 

2.  Q.  What  did  he  teach  them  by  this  act? 

A.  To  rely  on  his  power  for  protection,  rather  than 
on  their  false  gods. 

3.  Q.  Did  he  design  also  to  show  the  Gentiles  that  they 

were  to  be  admitted  to  spiritual  privileges  ? 

A.  St.  John  X.  16. 

4.  Q.  What  subsequent  act  proves  that  our  Saviour 

designed  this  covenant  to  be  continued  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  first  clause. 

1.  Q.  What  was  a Centurion  ? 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  49 


A.  An  officer  in  the  Eoman  Army  equal  in  rank  tc 
a captain  in  ours. 

2.  Q.  'Where  was  this  Centurion  stationed  ? 

A.  At  Capernaum,  on  the  sea-coast,  in  the  borders 
of  Zebulon  and  ISTepthalim. 

3.  Q.  What  character  does  St.  Luke  give  this  Centu- 

rion ? 

A.  Si.  Luke  vii.  4,  5. 

4.  Q.  What  devout  Centurion  do  we  read  of  in  the  Acts 

of  the  Apostles  ? 

A.  Acts  X.  1. 

1.  Q.  On  what  ground  did  Jesus  heal  the  Centurion’s 

servant  ? 

A.  Because  he  had  faith  that  Jesus  could  heal 
him. 

2.  Q.  In  what  way  did  he  show  his  faith  ? 

A.  By  saying  to  Jesus,  “ Speak  the  word  only,  and 
my  servant  shall  be  healed.” 

3.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  of  the  faith  which  he  man- 

ifested ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  viii.  10,  last  clause. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  to  his  disciples  in  ref- 

erence to  the  efficacy  of  faith  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xvii.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  is  one  of  the  most  important  steps  toward 

faith  ? 

A.  A meek  and  humble  spirit,  ready  and  willing  to 
believe. 

2.  Q.  How  did  the  Centurion  show  this  humble  spirit  ? 


50  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

A.  By  saying  to  Jesus,  “Lord,  I am  not  worthy  that 
thou  shouldest  come  under  my  roof.” 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  recommend  in  the  Epistle 

therefore  ? 

A.  Eom.  xii.  16. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  assure  us  will  he  the  effect 

of  humility  ? 

A.  St.  James  iv.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  result  of  the  faith  of  the  Centu- 

rion? 

A.  His  servant  was  made  whole  from  that  hour. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  a proof  of? 

A.  The  power  of  divinity  which  resided  in  Christ, 
so  that  even  at  a distance  he  could  work  mir- 
acles. 

3.  Q.  Where  does  Jesns  affirm  that  he  possesses  this 

divine  power? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  18. 

4.  Q.  How  does  the  Prophet  Isaiah  express  this  pow- 

er which  Jesus  Christ  should  possess? 

A.  Isaiah  ix.  7. 

1.  Q.  Will  all  Gentiles  who  believe  in  Christ  be  accept- 

ed by  him  ? 

A.  Yes ; for  he  came  to  save  all  men  of  every  na- 
tion. 

2.  Q.  How  do  we  receive  our  promise  of  salvation  ? 

A.  Through  this  general  reception  of  all  peoples ; 

for  we  are  Gentiles,  and  can  only  be  made  the 
children  of  Christ’s  kingdom  by  this  accep- 
tance of  the  Gentiles  by  Christ. 


THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  51 


3.  Q.  Where  is  it  foretold  that  the  kingdom  of  Christ 

should  be  universal  ? 

A.,  Dan.  vii.  14. 

4.  Q.  How  has  our  Saviour,  in  a parable,  declared  that 

the  advantage  of  being  a Jew,  or  indeed  any 
other  privileges,  cannot  secure  heaven  to  us  ? 
A.  St.  Luke  xiii.  26,  27. 

1.  Q.  Upon  what  must  we  depend  fur  strength  to  gain 

these  promises  ? 

A.  As  the  Collect  expresses  it,  on  the  right  hand  of 
God. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  the  right  hand  of  God  ? 
A.  His  power  and  strength,  by  which  he  defends  ua 

in  all  our  dangers  and  necessities. 

3.  Q.  How  do  you  know  that  God  will  extend  this  as- 

sistance ? 

A.  Psalm  xxxiv.  17. 

4.  Q.  What  have  we  to  rely  upon  in  praying  to  God 

for  this  assistance  besides  our  own  petitions  ? 
A.  1 John  ii.  1. 


“ By  faith  a steady  course  we  steer, 
Through  ruffling  storms  and  swelling  seas, 
O’ercome  the  world,  keep  down  our  fear. 
And  still  possess  our  souls  in  peace. 

By  faith  we  pass  the  vale  of  tears 
Safe  and  serene,  though  oft  distress’d  ; 

By  faitli  subdue  the  king  of  fears. 

And  go  rejoicing  to  our  rest.” 


Hy.  140. 


52  FOUKTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 
The  Collect, 

GOD,  wlio  knowest  us  to  be  set  in  the  midst  of  so 


many  and  great  dangers,  that  by  reason  of  the 
frailty  of  our  nature  we  cannot  always  stand  upright: 
Grant  to  us  such  strength  and  protecrion,  as  may  sup- 
port us  in  all  dangers,  and  carry  us  through  all  temp- 
tations ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  xiii.  1. — The  Gospel,  St.  Matt.  viii.  23. 

1.  Q.  What  new  Epiphany  is  revealed  in  the  services 

of  to-day? 

A.  Christ’s  power  over  nature  and  evil  spirits. 

2.  Q.  In  what  manner  is  our  Saviour  made  manifest  in 

our  day? 

A.  By  the  Bible  and  blessed  sacraments  which 


8.  Q.  How  are  we  to  continue  this  manifestation? 

A.  St.  Matt.  X.  27. 

4.  Q.  How  universal  is  the  invitation  to  behold  and 
•accept  the  glory  of  Christ? 

A.  Rev.  xxii.  17. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Jesus  manifest  his  power  over  nature? 
A.  By  stilling  the  tempest. 

2.  Q.  Ho ;v  was  this  effected? 

A.  By  saying  to  the  winds  and  waves,  “Peace,  be 


3.  Q.  What  did  those  who  witnessed  this  miracle 
say? 


come  through  the  Church. 


still.” 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  53 


4.  Q.  What  exclamation  of  the  Psalmist  answers  to 
this,  as  an  acknowledgment  of  the  divine 
power  of  our  Lord  ? 

A.  Psa.  Ixxxix.  8,  9. 

1.  Q.  What  rebuke  did  our  Saviour  give  to  his  disci- 

ples when  they  awoke  him  to  calm  the  tempest? 
A.  That  they  should  have  had  so  little  faith. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  he  so  rebuke  them,  when  they  only 

yielded  to  their  fears  ? 

A.  Because  he  had  been  teaching  them  that  faith 
in  him  would  preserve  them,  and  this  conduct 
showed  that  they  yet  doubted. 

3.  Q.  Give  another  prominent  instance  of  the  doubting 

of  one  of  the  disciples  ? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  25. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  those  who,  not  see- 

ing him,  yet  believed? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  29. 

1.  Q.  How  was  the  power  of  Christ  manifested  over 

evil  spirits  ? 

A.  By  casting  out  the  devils  from  those  who  were 
possessed. 

2.  Q.  Did  the  unclean  spirits  recognize  Jesus  and  his 

power? 

A.  Yes ; for  they  immediately  began  to  question 
him,  and  afterwards  obeyed  him. 

3.  Q.  What  question  did  they  ask  him  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  viii.  29. 

4.  Q.  To  what  did  they  refer  when  they  asked  him  if 

he  came  to  torment  them  before  the  time  ? 


54  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 

A.  Jude  6. 

1.  Q.  How  did  this  miracle  differ  from  the  other 

miracles  of  our  Lord  ? 

A.  In  that  it  involved  the  destruction  of  the  swine, 
the  property  of  others  ? 

2.  Q.  Does  not  this  seem  to  he  unjust  on  the  part  of 

Christ? 

A.  At  first  it  might;  hut  the  swine  were  there 
contrary  to  law,  and  their  destruction  was 
only  a just  punishment  for  the  disobedience  of 
their  owners. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  law  prohibiting  the  use  of  swine? 
A.  Deut.  xiv.  8. 

4.  Q.  Where  are  we  told  that  the  devils  believe  in 

God? 

A.  James  ii.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  people  desire  of  Jesus  when  they 

saw  his  works  ? 

A.  That  he  would  depart  out  of  their  coasts. 

2.  Q.  How  is  this  ingratitude  displayed  in  our 

day? 

A.  When  we  practically  send  Christ  away,  by  not 
accepting  and  believing  him. 

8.  Q.  What  is  the  effect  of  thus  sending  our  Lord 
away  ? 

A.  His  glory  is  hid  from  us  when  it  would  other- 
wise be  manifested. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  will  be  the  efi:ect  of  the 
hiding  of  the  gospel  from  us  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  iv.  8. 


FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  55 


1.  Q.  What  is  it  that  induces  men  to  send  Jesus  away  ? 
A.  Their  love  of  this  world  with  its  pleasures  and 

temptations. 

2.  Q.  Mention  some  of  the  greatest  temptations  whit^x 

makes  Christ  distasteful  to  us? 

A.  Eiches  and  honors,  pleasures,  and  even  our  com- 
mon employments. 

8.  Q.  What  therefore  are  we  warned  not  to  do  ? 

A.  1 John  ii.  15. 

4.  Q.  How  does  our  Saviour  put  the  argument  for  for- 
saking the  world? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xvi.  26. 

1.  Q.  By  whose  power  can  we  forsake  the  world  and 

cleave  unto  Jesus? 

A.  By  the  power  which  Jesus  gives  us. 

2.  Q.  How  does  this  day’s  lesson  show  us  that  Christ’s 

power  is  sufficient  to  us  ? 

A.  He,  who  by  the  power  of  his  voice  could  still 
the  tempest  and  cast  out  evil  spirits,  can  cer- 
tainly still  the  tempest  in  our  sonls,  and  cast 
out  the  spirit  of  evil. 

8.  Q.  What  assurance  have  we  that  no  temptation 
will  he  placed  in  our  way  which  may  not  he 
overcome  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  does  David  say  of  the  faithfulness  of  the 
Lord  in  looking  after  the  interest  of  his  peo- 
ple ? 

A.  Psa.  xxxiii.  18,  19. 


56  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


“ They  know  the  Almiglity’s  power, 

Who,  wakened  by  the  rushing  midnight  sliower, 

Watch  for  the  titlul  breeze 

To  howl  and  chafe  amid  the  bending  trees, 

Watch  for  the  still  white  gleam 
To  bathe  the  landscape  in  a fiery  stream. 

Touching  the  tremulous  eye  with  sense  of  light 
Too  rapid  and  too  pure  for  all  but  angel  sight. 

But  there  are  storms  within 

That  heave  the  struggling  heart  with  wilder  din, 

And  there  is  power  and  love 

The  maniac’s  rushing  frenzy  to  reprove  ; 

And  when  he  takes  his  seat, 

Cloth’d  and  in  calmness,  at  his  Saviour’s  feet, 

Is  not  the  power  as  strange,  the  love  as  blest. 

As  when  he  said,  ‘ Be  still,’  and  ocean  sank  to  rest 

Keble. 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 
The  Collect 

0 LORD,  we  beseech  thee  to  keep  thy  Church  and 
household  continually  in  thy  true  religion  ; that 
they  who  do  lean  only  upon  the  hope  of  thy  heaven- 
ly grace  may  evermore  be  defended  by  thy  mighty 
power ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Col.  iii.  12.— The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  24, 

1.  Q.  Plow  did  our  Saviour  often  illustrate  the  truth 
which  he  taught  ? 

A.  By  parables. 

2.  Q.  What  is  a parable  ? 

A.  A stoiy  founded  on  familiar  things,  which  will 
show  the  meaning  of  the  truth  illustrated. 


FIFXn  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  57 


3.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  answer,  when  his  disci- 

ples asked  him  why  he  spoke  in  parables  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  11. 

4.  Q.  How  do  wo  know  that  Jesus  did  not  mean  by 

this,  that  he  did  not  wish  the  people  to  un- 
derstand his  words? 

A.  1 Tim.  ii.  3,  4. 

1.  Q.  To  whom  will  parables  come  as  lessons  full  of 

meaning  ? 

A.  To  those  who  are  willing  to  listen  and  obey. 

2.  Q.  What  will  parables  be  to  those  who  are  not  will- 

ing to  receive  them  ? 

A.  They  will  be  “ dark  sayings,  hard  to  under- 
stand.” 

3.  Q.  Did  the  Prophet  Isaiah  foretell  that  there  should 

be  such  people  ? 

A.  Isaiah  vi.  9. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  to  those  who  believed 

in  his  parables? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  object  of  the  parable  in  the  gospel 

for  the  day  ? 

A.  To  show  how  strongly  Satan  will  work  against 
Christ  and  liis  kingdom. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  kingdom  of  Christ  on  earth  called? 
A.  The  Church,  founded  on  the  Apostles  and 

Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  being  the  chief  corner- 
stone. 

3.  Q.  When  is  the  Church  called  the  body  of  which 

. Christ  is  the  head? 


58  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTEE  THE  EPIPHANY. 

A.  Col.  i.  18. 

4.  Q.  What  reason  have  we  for  believing  that  Satan 
will  not  prevail  over  the  Church  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  20,  last  clause. 

1.  Q.  Who  is  meant  by  the  sower  ? 

A.  Christ  our  blessed  Lord. 

2.  Q.  What  are  the  good  seed  and  the  tares? 

A.  “The  good  seed  are  the  children  of  the 
kingdom ; but  the  tares  are  the  children  of 
the  wicked  one.” 

3.  Q.  Who  sowed  seed  after  the  ascension  of 

Christ  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  iii.  6. 

4.  Q.  Were  the  Gentiles  to  be  included  in  this  field 

into  which  the  seed  was  to  be  sown  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  15. 

1.  Q.  Who  sowed  tares  in  the  field  while  men  slept? 
A.  The  devi],  who  is  Christ’s  enemy. 

2.  Q.  By  what  wiles  does  the  devil  seek  to  introduce 

tares  into  our  hearts  ? 

A.  By  vain  doctrines  and  evil  temptations. 

3.  Q.  What  has  St.  Paul  recommended  us  to  do,  to  re- 

sist the  wiles  of  the  devil  ? 

A.  Eph.  vi.  11. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  anywhere  told  that  our  resistance  to  the 

devil  wdll  accomplish  this  result  ? 

A.  St.  James  iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  When  the  tares  sprang  up,  what  did  the  servants 
say? 

A,  They  asked  him  if  they  should  root  them  out. 


FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  59 


3.  Q.  What  answer  did  he  give  them  ? 

A.  *‘Let  both  grow  together  till  the  harvest.” 

3.  Q.  When  will  the  harvest  come  and  who  are  the 

reapers  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  39. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  Holy  Angels  will 

come  with  Christ  in  judgment  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XXV.  31. 

1.  Q.  Who  do  the  wheat  and  tares  represent  ? 

A.  Those  who  love  Christ  and  those  who  serve 
Satan. 

2.  Q.  What  shall  be  done  with  the  tares  or  the  wick- 

ed? 

A.  They  shall  be  gathered  together  and  cast  into 
the  furnace. 

3.  Q.  What  will  be  the  lot  of  the  wheat  or  righteous  ? 
A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  43. 

4.  Q.  What  shall  be  the  character  of  the  Church  at  this 

time  ? 

A.  Eph.  V.  27. 

1.  Q.  For  what  do  we  pray  in  the  collect  ? 

A.  That  God  will  keep  his  Church  and  household 
continually  in  his  true  religion. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  understand  by  the  word  Church  ? 
A.  That  society  of  men,  in  which  the  word  of  God 

is  rightly  taught  and  the  sacraments  duly  ad- 
I ministered  by  properly  ordained  persons. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  tell  us  to  do  in  order  to  pre- 

serve the  Church  in  unity  and  purity  ? 

A.  Col.  iii.  12. 


60  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 


4.  Q.  In  whose  name  are  we  to  act  and  speak,  when  i 
we  would  further  the  interests  of  Christ’s  Church  ? 

A,  Col.  hi.  17.  ' 


“ 0 God ! by  whojn  the  seed  is  given  ; 

By  whom  the  harvest  blest ; 

Whose  word,  like  manna  shower’d  from  heaven, 
Is  planted  in  our  breast ; 

“ Preserve  it  from  the  passing  feet. 

And  plunderers  of  the  air  ; 

The  sultry  sun’s  intenser  heat, 

And  weeds  of  worldly  care  ! 

“ Though  buried  deep,  or  thinly  strewn, 

Bo  thou  thy  grace  supply  ; 

The  hope  in  earthly  furrows  sown 
Shall  blossom  in  the  sky.” 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY. 
The  Collect, 

0GOD,  whose  blessed  Son  was  manifested  that  he 
might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  and  make 
us  the  sons  of  God,  and  heirs  of  eternal  life  ; Grant  us, 
we  beseech  thee,  that,  having  this  hope,  we  may  purify 
ourselves,  even  as  he  is  pure  ; that,  when  he  shall  ap- 
pear again  with  power  and  great  glory,  we  may  be 
made  like  unto  him  in  his  eternal  and  glorious  king- 
dom ; where  wdth  thee,  O Father,  and  thee,  0 Hofy 
Ghost,  he  liveth  and  reigneth,  ever  one  God,  world 
without  end.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  John  iii.  I— The  Gospel  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  23. 

I,  Q.  What  grand  Epiphany  is  referred  to  in  the  gos- 
pel of  the  day  ? 


SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  61 


’ A.  Christ’s  manifestation  in  the  clouds  with  power 
and  great  gloiy. 

2i.  Q.  When  will  this  manifestation  of  Christ  occur? 

A.  At  the  end  of  the  world. 

3,  Q.  What  answer  did  Christ  make  when  his  disciples 
asked  him  of  the  signs  of  his  coming  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  15. 

k Q.  To  what  prophecy  does  St.  Matthew  refer? 

A.  Dan.  ix.  27 — xii.  ii. 

1.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  should  be  one  of  the 
first  signs  ? 

A.  False  Christs  and  false  prophets  should  arise. 

I Q.  Is  there  any  evidence  that  such  really  did  arise  ? 

A.  History  mentions  quite  a number  Tvho  led  many 
to  destruction. 

b Q.  Were  there  any  such  impostors  who  had  already 
appeared  ? 

A.  Acts  V.  86,  87. 

r.  Q.  What  similar  testimony  is  found  in  the  prophecy 
of  J eremiah  ? 

A.  Jer.  xiv.  14. 

. Q.  What  should  these  false  Christs  and  prophets 
endeavor  to  do  ? 

A.  To  deceive  if  possible  even  the  elect. 

. Q.  Who  are  the  elect  ? 

A.  The  sons  of  God,  who  have  become  his  children 
through  the  love  of  Christ. 

. Q.  How  do  we  know  that  these  impostors  shall  not 
succeed  in  their  object  ? 

A.  St.  John  X.  28. 

6 


62  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY, 

4,  Q.  What  is  St.  Paul’s  opinion  of  the  ability  of 
Christ  to  fulfil  this  promise  ? 

A.  Heb.  vii.  25. 

1.  Q.  How  is  the  coming  of  “ the  Son  of  man  ” de- 

scribed ? 

A.  As  the  lightning  coming  out  of  the  East. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  expression  designed  to  represent  ? 
A.  The  suddenness  and  rapidity  of  the  coming  of 

Christ. 

3.  Q.  Where  does  Christ  acknowledge  his  name  of 

‘‘  the  Son  of  man  ” ? 

^A.  St.  Matt.  xvi.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  caution  does  our  Saviour  suggest  on  ac- 

count of  the  suddenness  of  his  coming  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  42. 

1.  Q.  What  else  does  our  Saviour  suggest  in  this  place  ? 
A.  The  surety  of  the  judgment. 

2.  Q.  In  what  figure  is  this  truth  expressed  ? 

A.  “ Wheresoever  the  carcass  is,  there  will  the 
eagles  be  gathered  together.” 

3.  Q.  How  does  this  express  the  certainty  of  the  judg- 

ment ? 

A.  “ As  the  carcass  everywhere  attracts  the  carrion- 
eaters,  so  do  moral  corruption  and  ripened 
guilt  everywhere  demand  the  judgment.” 

4.  Q.  Where  is  this  figure  used  to  describe  the  manner 

of  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  Habak.  i.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  other  signs  shall  announce  the  coming  of 
Christ  ? 


SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  THE  EPIPHANY.  63 


A.  The  sun  and  moon  shall  be  darkened,  and  the 
stars  shall  fall. 

2.  Q.  What  do  these  figures  denote  in  Scripture  ? . 

A.  The  great  calamities  which  befall  kings  and 
nations. 

3.  Q.  Give  an  example  when  these  signs  attended 

these  calamities. 

A.  Ezek.  xxxii.  7.  Joel  iii.  15. 

4.  Q.  What  further  signs  are  found  in  St.  Luke’s  ac- 

count ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxi.  25,  26. 

1.  Q.  What  shall  then  appear? 

A.  ‘‘The  Son  of  man”  in  the  heavens, 

2.  Q.  What  effect  will  it  have  upon  the  tribes  of  the 

earth  ? 

A.  They  shall  mourn  and  tremble, 

3.  Q.  Why  will  they  mourn  at  his  presence  then  ? 

A.  Eev.  i.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  did  Christ  ascend  into  heaven  ? 

A.  Acts  i.  9. 

1.  Q.  Whom  will  he  send? 

A.  An  angel  or  messenger. 

2.  Q.  What  will  the  angel  do  ? 

A.  Gather  together  those  who  are  chosen  of  God, 
from  the  four  winds  of  heaven. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  shall  be  our  condition 

when  He  appears,  if  we  love  him  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iii.  2. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  object  of  the  first  as  well  as  the  last 

Epiphany  ? 


C4 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


A.  1 John  iii.  8,  last  clause. 


‘ What  is  the  heaven  our  God  bestows 
No  prophet  yet,  no  angel  knows  ; 

Was  never  yet  created  eye 
Could  see  across  eternity  ; 

Not  seraphs’  wings  forever  soaring 
Can  pass  the  flight  of  souls  adoring, 

That  nearer  still  and  nearer  grow 

To  th’  unapproached  Lord,  once  made  for  them  so  low.” 

Kehk, 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

The  Collect, 

0LORD,  we  beseech  thee  favourably  to  hear  the 
prayers  of  thy  people,  that  we,  who  are  justly 
punished  for  our  offences,  may  be  mercifully  delivered 
hy  thy  goodness,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name,  through 
Jesus  Cheist  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world 
without  end.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1.  Cor.  ix.  2i.—  The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  xx.  1. 

1.  Q.  Why  is  this  Sunday  called  Septuagesima  ? 

A.  Because  it  is  about  seventy  days  before  Easter. 
2.  Q.  What  is  this  season  designed  to  teach  us  ? 

A.  To  draw  our  minds  from  the  joyful  thoughts  of 
Christmas  to  consider  the  humiliation  of  our 
Lord,  during  Lent. 

8.  Q.  What  is  promised  to  the  humble  who  seek  to 
improve  such  seasons  as  these  ? 

A.  Ps.  X.  IT. 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


65 


4.  Q.  What  kind  of  preparation  does  St.  Paul  suggest  ? 
A.  Eph.  vi.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  intention  of  the  Epistle  and  Gos- 

pel for  the  day  ? 

A.  To  show  us  that  our  bodies  as  well  as  our 
spirits  must  be  kept  in  subjection^  so  that  we 
may  do  the  work  of  our  Lord. 

2.  Q.  How  does  our  Saviour  illustrate  this  truth  ? 

A.  By  showing  us  in  this  parable  what  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  is  like. 

8.  Q.  How  does  St.  Matthew  describe  the  construction 
of  a vineyard? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxi.  33. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Isaiah  say  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord 
was? 

A.  Isai.  V.  Y. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  owner  of  the  vineyard  do  ? 

A.  He  went  out  to  hire  labourers. 

2.  Q.  What  wages  did  he  offer  the  men  whom  he  em- 

ployed? 

A.  A penny  a day — equal  in  value  to  about  14  cents 
of  our  money. 

3.  Q.  Does  Christ  demand  that  we  should  work  for 

him  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  21. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  difference  between  the  wages  of 

Christ  and  those  of  Sin  ? 

A.  Kom.  vi.  23. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  master  say  to  those  whom  he 
found  idle  at  the  third  hour  ? 

6* 


G6 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


A.  “Go  ye  also  into  the  vineyard,  and  whatsoever 
is  right  I w'ill  give  you. 

2.  Q.  Bid  he  go  out  again  ? 

A.  At  the  sixth  and  nintli  hour  he  went  out  and 
did  likewise. 

3.  Q.  Does  God  particularly  call  the  young  to  his  ser- 

vice ? 

A.  Eccles.  xii.  1. 

4.  Q.  Will  industry  benefit  a man  in  the  eyes  of  God 

unless  he  works  in  his  vineyard  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  viii.  86. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  master  do  at  .the  Eleventh  hour? 
A.  Finding  others  standing  idle  he  set  them  to 

work. 

2.  Q.  Did  he  promise  these  men  any  reward  ? 

A.  “ Whatsoever  is  right  that  shall  ye  receive.” 

3.  Q.  Are  we  commanded  not  to  be  idle  ? 

A.  Phil.  ii.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  reason  have  we  for  believing  that  we 

must  enter  upon  our  work,  even  though  we 
he  near  unto  death  ? 

A.  Eccles.  ix.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  Lord  command  at  even? 

A.  That  the  labourers  should  be  paid  their  wages. 

2.  Q.  Who  wdll  give  us  our  reward  ? 

A.  Christ  liimself,  at  the  final  day  when  we  are 
judged. 

3.  Q.  How  shall  our  works  be  made  manifest  on  that 

day?. 


A.  1 Cor.  hi.  13. 


SEPTUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


67 


4.  Q.  What  shall  he  this  reward  for  the  labours  of  a 
faithful  life  in  Christ’s  vineyard? 

A.  Rom.  ii.  7. 

1.  Q.  How  much  did  those  who  were  hired  last  re- 

ceive ? 

A.  As  much  as  those  who  were  first  employed. 

2.  Q.  What  example  have  we  in  the  gospel  of  the 

call  and  reward  of  one,  who  began  to  serve 
Christ  at  the  Eleventh  hour? 

A.  The  penitent  thief  who  suffered  for  his  crime ; 
when  our  Saviour  was  crucified. 

3.  Q.  To  what  among  other  things  does  this  parable 

refer  ? 

A.  To  the  calling  of  tlie  Gentiles  at  a later  age  of 
the  world  ? 

4.  Q.  Of  wliat  nation  shall  the  blessed  multitude  in 

heaven  be  composed  ? 

A.  Rev.  vii.  9. 

1.  Q.  Who  are  “ called  ” in  the  gospel  ? 

A.  All  who  hear  the  word  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  is  it  that  hinders  us  from  accepting  this 

call  ? 

A.  .Hothing  but  our  own  stubborn  and  unwilling 
hearts. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Christ  require  of  us  in  order  to  gain 

admission  into  his  vineyard  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xiii.  24. 

4.  Q.  What  assures  us  that  the  joys  of  heaven  are 

worth  the  labour  of  our  lives  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  ii.  9. 


68 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


“ Two  worlds  are  ours  ; ’tis  only  sin 
Forbid  us  to  descry 
The  mystic  heaven  and  earth  within, 
Plain  as  the  sea  and  sky. 

Thou,  who  hast  given  me  eyes  to  see 
And  love  this  sight  so  fair, 

Give  me  a heart  to  find  out  Thee, 

And  read  Thee  everywhere.” 

Kehle. 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

The  Collect 

0LORD  God,  who  seest  that  we  put  not  our  trust 
in  any  thing  that  we  do ; Mercifully  grant  that  by 
thy  power  we  may  be  defended  against  all  adversity  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen* 

The  Epistle.  2 Cor.  xi.  19. — The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  viii.  4. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  Epistle  for  this  day  teach? 

A.  To  keep  our  bodies  in  subjection. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  object  of  St.  Paul  in  mortifying 
his  body  ? 

A.  That  his  Soul  might  be  free  to  receive  the  truth 
and  do  it. 

3.  Q.  What  confession  of  St.  Paul  shows  the  neces- 
sity and  wisdom  of  this  mortification  ? 

A.  Rom.  vii.  23. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  required  to  serve  God  with  our  hodiea 
as  well  as  our  spirits  ? 

A.  Rom.  xii.  i,  1 Cor.  vi.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  object  of  the  gospel  for  the  day? 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


69 


A.  To  teach  us  how  to  hear  the  truth. 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  way  to  hear  the  truth  of  Christ 
aright  ? 

A.  By  diligent  study  and  williugness  to  be  in- 
structed. 

8.  Q.  How  did  Jeremiah  express  this  same  truth  to 
the  Jews? 

A.  Jer.  iv.  3. 

4.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  say  of  those  who  hoar 
the  truth  but  do  not  seek  to  apply  it? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  14. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Christ  teach  this  truth  to  the  multitude 

about  him  ? 

A.  By  the  parable  of  the  Sower. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  a parable  ? 

A.  An  illustration  taken  from  earthly  objects,  to 
instruct  us  in  heavenly  truths. 

3.  Q.  Was  our  Saviour  in  the  habit  of  speaking  in 

parables  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  34. 

4.  Q.  What  prophecy  did  he  thus  fulfil? 

A.  Ps.  Ixxviii.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  Sower  do  ? 

A.  He  went  out  into  his  field  to  sow  seed. 

2.  Q.  What  does  the  seed  represent  ? 

A.  The  word  of  God  which  is  sown  by  his  minis- 
ters. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  of  the  word  of  God? 

A.  1 St.  Peter  i.  25. 

4.  Q.  To  whom  is  the  word  of  God  sent  ? 


70 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


A.  Acts  xiii.  26. 

1.  Q.  Where  did  our  Saviour  say  the  seed  fell  ? 

A.  Some  by  the  wayside,  where  it  was  trodden  down, 

2.  Q.  Who  are  represented  by  the  seed  that  fell  on 

the  wayside. 

A.  Those  who  hear  carelessly  and  allow  the  devil 
to  take  the  word  away  from  their  hearts. 

3.  Q.  How  can  we  prevent  the  devil  from  taking 

away  the  word  ? 

A.  St.  James  iv.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  may  we  always  keep  the  word  which  is 

preached  constantly  before  us  ? 

A.  St.  John  V.  39. 

1.  Q.  Where  else  did  the  seed  fall  ? 

A.  On  a rock,  where  it  soon  withered,  because  it 
had  no  moisture  to  sustain  it. 

2.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  compare  this  seed  to  ? 

A.  To  those  who  hear  the  word  joyfully,  but  in 

temptation  fall  away  again. 

3.  Q.  Does  God  tempt  any  man  to  sin  ? 

A.  St.  James  i.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  encouragement  have  we  in  the  hour  of 

temptation  if  w^e  really  seek  to  avoid  it  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  13. 

1.  Q.  Some  of  the  seed  fell  among  thorns,  why  did 

not  this  grow  up  and  flourish  ? 

A.  Because  the  thorns,  like  weeds  in  a garden, 
overran  the  tender  plants. 

2.  Q.  What  prevents  the  word  from  bearing  good 

fruit  in  some  who  hear  it  ? 


SEXAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


n 


A.  The  cares,  riches  and  pleasures  of  this  world, 
which  take  away  the  strength  from  the 
tender  shoots  of  righteousness. 

3.  Q.  What  is  said  of  those  who  are  absorbed  in  their 

love  for  the  things  of  this  world? 

A.  1 St.  John  ii.  15. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  danger  in  the  future  to  those  who 

are  described  as  being  cursed  by  the  cares 
and  riches  of  this  world  ? 

A.  Heb.  vi.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  became  of  the  seed  that  fell  upon  the 

good  ground  ? 

A.  It  sprang  up  and  bore  a great  abundance  of 
fruit. 

2.  Q.  In  whom  does  the  word  of  God  produce  good 

fruit  ? 

A.  In  those  who  patiently  receiving  the  word  into 
honest  and  good  hearts,  endeavour  to  cultivate 
it  by  every  means  which  the  grace  of  God 
has  given  them. 

3.  Q.  How  are  we  enabled  to  bring  our  fruit  to  per- 

fection ? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  5. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  great  reason  why  we  should  strive 

to  bear  fruit  ? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  8. 


If  niggard  earth  her  treasures  hide, 

To  all  but  labouring  hands  denied. 

Lavish  of  thorns  and  worthless  weeds  alone, 


72  QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

The  doom  is  half  in  mercy  given, 

To  train  us  in  our  way  to  heaven, 

And  shew  our  lagging  souls  how  glory  must  be  won. 

If  on  the  sinner’s  outward  frame 
God  hath  impress’d  His  mark  of  blame, 

And  even  our  bodies  shrink  at  touch  of  light, 

Yet  mercy  hath  not  left  us  bare  ; 

The  very  weeds  we  daily  wear 
Are  to  Faith’s  eye  a pledge  of  God’s  forgiving  might. 


QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 

T/ie  Collect, 

0LORD,  wlio  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings 
without  charity  are  nothing  worth;  Send  Thy 
Holy  Ghost,  and  pour  into  our  hearts  that  most  excel- 
lent gift  of  charity,  the  very  bond  of  peace  and  of  all 
virtues,  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is  counted 
dead  before  thee.  Grant  this  for  thine  only  Son  Jesus 
Christ’s  sake.  Amen, 

The  Epistle,  1 Cor.  xiii.  l.—The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xviii.  31. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  to-day  in  preparation  for 
Lent? 

A.  That  our  humility,  with  all  other  acts  of  devo- 
tion, must  spring  from  charity. 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  meaning  of  charity  in  this  connec- 
tion ? 

A.  Love  to  God  and  our  neighbors. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  necessity  of  char- 
ity ? 

A.  1 Cor.  xiii.  1. 


QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


73 


4,  Q.  What  two  laws  did  our  Saviour  give  in  refer- 
ence to  charity  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxii.  37-39. 

1.  Q.  What  are  our  good  actions  worth  without 

charity  ? 

A.  They  are  good  for  nothing. 

2.  Q.  WillGodaccept  our  best  services  unaccompanied 

by  charity  ? 

A.  No ! for  he  has  taught  us  that  our  good  deeds 
must  be  the  result  of  our  love  for  him. 

8.  Q.  How  do  we  know  tliat  our  love  for  God  will 
make  us  acceptable  to  him  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  viii.  3. 

4.  Q.  Can  a man  love  God  and  at  the  same  time  hate 
his  brother  ? 

A.  1 John  iv.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  is  charity  called  in  the  collect  for  to-day? 
A.  “ The  very  bond  of  peace  and  of  all  virtues.” 

2.  Q.  How  is  charity  so  powerful  in  its  effects  ? 

A.  Because  it  prevents  dissension  among  Christians 
and  fills  them  with  a desire  for  the  good  of 
others. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  tell  the  Eomans  is  their 

duty  to  their  Christian  brethren? 

A.  Kom.  xii.  10. 

4.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  say  will  be  the  effect  of 

brotherly  love  ? 

A.  St.  John  xiii.  35. 

1.  Q.  How  does  the  collect  say  we  shall  be  esteemed 
if  we  have  not  charity  ? 

7 


74 


QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


A.  "We  shall  be  “ counted  dead  ” before  God. 

2.  Q.  Wliat  does  this  mean? 

A.  That  whosoever  lives  without  charity  shall  die 
the  second  death,  without  any  hope  of  life 
everlasting. 

^3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  of  those  who  do  not 
love  God  ? 

A.  1 John  iv.  8. 

4.  Q.  What  scripture  evidence  have  we  that  he  that 
hateth  his  brother  has  no  hope  of  everlasting 
life? 

A.  1 St.  John  hi.  15. 

1.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  show  his  charity  at  this 
time  ? 

A.  By  restoring  the  sight  of  the  blind  man  at  Jericho. 

:2.  Q.  How  did  the  blind  man  make  his  appeal  for 
Christ’s  assistance  ? 

A.  “ Jesus,  thou  son  of  David,  have  mercy  on  me.” 

^3.  Q.  What  was  his  authority  for  calling  Jesus  “the 
son  of  David?  ” 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxii.  42. 

A.  Q.  Is  Christ  represented  as  being  peculiarly  merci- 
ful and  loving  ? 

A.  Eph.  hi.  18,  19. 

il.  Q.  Wliat  lack  of  charity  did  the  disciples  show  to 
this  poor  blind  man  ? 

A.  When  they  heard  him  calling  on  Jesus,  they  re- 
buked him. 

'2.  Q.  What  did  the  blind  man  do  when  he  was  told  to 
hold  his  peace  ? 


ASII  WEDNESDAY. 


75 


8.  Q.  Are  all,  like  the  blind,  in  darkness,  wbo  are 
without  the  gospel? 

A.  Acts  xxvi.  17,  18. 

4.  Q.  How  is  it  possible  for  us  to  be  cured  of  our 
spiritual  blindness  ? 

A.  St.  John  viii.  12. 


“Lord,  with  glowing  heart  I’d  praise  thee 
For  the  bliss  thy  love  bestows ; 

For  the  pard’ning  grace  that  saves  me, 

And  the  peace  that  from  it  flows  : 

Help,  0 God,  my  weak  endeavour; 

This  dull  soul  to  rapture  raise : 

Thou  must  light  the  flame,  or  never 
Can  mv  love  be  warm’d  to  praise.” 

Hy,  150. 


ASH  WEDNESDAY. 

The  Collect, 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hatest  noth- 
ing that  thou  hast  made,  and  dost  forgive  the  sins 
of  all  those  who  are  penitent ; Create  and  make  in  us 
new  and  contrite  hearts,  that  we  worthily  lamenting 
our  sins,  and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness,  may 
obtain  of  thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  perfect  remission 
and  forgiveness ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Amen. 

At  Moriiing  Prayer^  the  Litany  leing  ended^  shall 
he  said  the  following  Prayers^  immediately  he- 
fore  the  General  ThanTcsgiving. 

0LORD,  we  beseech  thee,  mercifully  hear  our  pray- 
ers, and  spare  all  those  who  confess  their  sins  unto 


76 


QUINQUAGESIMA  SUNDAY. 


A.  He  cried  out  more  earnestly  than  ever. 

3.  Q.  Are  we  exhorted  to  like  earnestness  in  our 

prayers  for  mercy  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xviii.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  importunity  in 

prayer,  in  his  parable  immediately  after  teach- 
ing his  disciples  the  Lord’s  Prayer  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xi.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  ask  of  the  blind  man  ? 

A.  Why  he  had  called  upon  him  and  what  he 

anted. 

2.  Q.  What  was  his  reply  ? 

A.  ‘‘  And  he  said,  Lord,  that  I may  receive  my 
sight.” 

3.  Q.  Was  this  a very  great  request  which  the  poor 

man  asked  of  Jesus? 

A.  St.  John  ix.  32. 

4.  Q.  Does  Christ  give  us  the  liberty  of  applying  for 

his  mercy  in  all  our  necessities  ? 

A.  St.  John  xiv.  13,  14. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Jesus  require  in  this  man  which  he 

also  demands  of  us  before  he  grants  our 
requests? 

A.  Faith  in  him,  that  he  can  do  what  we  desire  of 
him. 

2.  Q.  What  did  the  blind  man  do  after  he  had  re- 

ceived his  sight,  which  we  should  strive  to 
copy? 

A.  He  followed  Christ,  as  we  should  devote  our- 
selves to  him  for  his  many  mercies  to  us. 


ASH  WEDNESDAY. 


7T 

thee ; that  they,  whose  consciences  by  sin  are  accused, 
by  thy  merciful  pardon  may  be  absolved;  through 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

OMOST  mighty  God,  and  merciful  Father,  who 
hast  compassion  upon  all  men,  and  hatest  nothing 
that  thou  hast  made  ; who  wouldest  not  the  death  of 
a sinner,  but  rather  tliat  he  should  turn  from  his  sin, 
and  be  saved;  Mercifully  forgive  us  our  trespasses; 
receive  and  comfort  us,  who  are  grieved  and  wearied 
with  the  burden  of  our  sins.  Thy  property  is  always 
to  have  mercy ; to  thee  only  it  appertaineth  to  forgive 
sins.  Spare  us  therefore,  good  Lord,  spare  thy  people, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed ; enter  not  into  judgment 
with  thy  servants,  who  are  vile  earth,  and  miserable 
sinners;  but  so  turn  thine  anger  from  us,  who  meekly 
acknowledge  our  vileness,  and  truly  repent  us  of  our 
faults,  and  so  make  haste  to  help  us  in  this  world,  that 
we  may  ever  live  with  thee  in  the  world  to  come; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

Then  shall  the  people  say  this  that  followeth^ 
after  the  Minister, 

TURM  thou  us,  0 good  Lord,  and  so  shall  we  b©!- 
turned.  Be  favourable,  O Lord,  Be  favourable  to 
thy  people.  Who  turn  to  thee  in  weeping,  fasting,  and^ 
praying.  For  thou  art  a merciful  God,  Full  of  com- 
passion, Long-suifering,  and  of  great  pity.  Thou  spar- 
est when  we  deserve  punishment.  And  in  thy  wrath 
thinkest  upon  mercy.  Spare  thy  people,  good  Lord, 
spare  them.  And  let  not  thine  heritage  be  brought 
to  confu-ion.  Hear  us,  O Lord,  for  thy  mercy  is  great. 
And  after  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies  look  upon  us ; 
Through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  thy  blessed  Son, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

For  the  Epistle,  Joel  ii.  12. — The  Gospel,  St.  Matt.  vi. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  Lent  ? 


78 


ASH  WEDNESDAY. 


A.  Spring,  and  is  applied  to  the  spring  fast  of  40 
days. 

2.  Q.  In  remembrance  of  wfiat  do  we  keep  tlie  fast  of 
Lent  ? 

A.  In  remembrance  of  the  forty  days  fast  in  the 
wilderness  by  our  Saviour. 

8.  Q.  How  should  we  keep  this  fast? 

A.  By  abstaining  from  unnecessary  indulgences 
and  devoting  our  thoughts  to  humility  and 
prayer. 

4.  Q.  Give  an  example  from  the  Old  Testament  of  a 
List  of  forty  days  ? 

A.  Exod.  xxxiv.  28.  1 Kings  xix.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  first  day  of  Lent  commonly  called? 

A.  Ash  Wednesday. 

2.  Q.  From  what  custom  is  this  name  derived? 

A.  From  the  primitive  custom  of  sprinkling  ashes 
on  the  heads  of  penitents  on  this  day. 

8.  Q.  Give  an  instance  of  this  custom  as  recorded  in 
Daniel  ? 

A.  Dan.  ix.  3. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  Tyre  and  Sidon  in 
connection  with  this  custom? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xi.  21. 

1.  Q.  Why  does  Ash  Wednesday  come  forty-six  days 
before  Easter? 

A.  Because  the  six  Sundays  in  Lent  are  taken  out, 
leaving  only  forty  dnys  of  fasting. 

:"2.  Q.  Why  are  the  Sundays  not  regarded  as  fast 
days? 


ASH  WEDNESDAY. 


79 


A.  Because,  Sunday  being  the  day  on  which  wo 
celebrate  the  Lord’s  resurrection,  it  has  always 
been  regarded  as  a feast  and  day  of  joy. 

8.  Q.  What  was  generally  done  to  those  wlio  were 
convicted  of  notorious  crimes,  on  Ash  Wed- 
nesday ? 

A.  They  were  put  to  open  penance  and  excommu- 
nicated by  the  Bishop. 

4.  Q.  When  they  repented,  how  were  they  re-admitted 
into  the  Church  ? 

A.  By  absolution,  from  the  Bishop  or  Priest  who, 
persuaded  of  their  penitence,  restored  them  to 
the  communion, 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  chief  object  of  the  Lenten  season  ? 

A.  To  lead  us  to  repentance. 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  nature  of  true  repentance  ? 

A.  Hearty  sorrow  for  sins  past,  with  sincere  reso- 
lutions, by  the  grace  of  God,  to  forsake  them. 

8.  Q.  What  therefore  are  we  called  upon  to  do  in  the 
Epistle  ? 

A.  Joel  ii.  13. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  instructed  to  fast  in  the  gospel? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  17,  18. 

1.  Q.  Why  should  we  be  sorry  for  our  sins  ? 

A.  Because  sin  grieves  God,  and  causes  him  to 
draw  his  favour  from  us. 

2.  Q.  What  should  incite  us  to  repentance  ? 

A.  Our  gratitude  to  God,  who  has  graciously  pro- 
vided a way  of  escape  from  the  evils  of  sin, 
fur  those  who  repent  and  believe  in  his  Son. 


80 


ASH  WEDNESDAY. 


3.  Q.  Where  do  we  read  that  God  is  grieved  at  the 

wicked  ? 

A.  Psalm  vii.  11. 

4.  Q.  What  will  he  our  condition  if  we  neglect  re- 

pentance ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xiii.  3. 

1.  Q.  How  should  we  express  our  sorrow  for  sin? 

A.  By  confession,  hy  fasting  and  humhly  asking 

pardon  for  Christ’s  sake. 

2.  Q.  Upon  what  should  our  sorrow  for  sin  he  found- 

ed? 

A.  On  our  appreciation  of  the  vileness  of  sin,  and 
the  need  of  God’s  grace  to  overcome  it. 

3.  Q.  What  example  have  we,  in  the  acts  of  the  Holy 

Apostles,  of  fasting  for  sin  ? 

A.  Acts  ix.  9. 

4.  Q.  Are  reparation  and  restitution  necessary  fruits 

of  true  repentance  ? 

A.  Levit.  vi.  4,  5. 

1.  Q.  In  what  consists  the  necessity  of  repentance? 

A.  It  is  necessary  to  salvation. 

2.  Q.  Is  repentance,  then,  the  cause  of  our  salvation  ? 
A.  Ho ; Jesus  Christ  hy  his  atonement  purchased 

our  salvation,  hut  remission  of  sin  is  neverthe- 
less dependent  on  our  penitence. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  is  essential  for  the  re- 

mission of  sins  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  38. 

4.  Q.  What  is  said  of  the  joy  in  heaven  over  the  peni- 

tent sinner  ? 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


81 


A.  St.  Luke  XV.  7. 

1.  Q.  When  sliould  we  begin  our  repentance  ? 

A.  To-day,  for  we  know  not  how  long  a time  we 
have  in  which  to  repent. 

2.  Q.  Is  it  possible  to  repent  on  the  death-bed  ? 

A.  Yes,  but  it  is  dangerous  to  neglect  it  till  then. 

8,  Q.  What  reason  does  our  Saviour  give  why  we 
should  repent  at  once  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xii.  40. 

4.  Q.  What  reason  does  the  Preacher  give,  why  chil- 
dren should  repent  while  they  are  young? 

A.  Eccles.  xii.  1 . 


“ Oh  let  us  keep  our  fast  within, 

Till  heaven  and  we  are  quite  alone, 

Then  let  the  grief,  the  sliame,  the  sin. 
Before  the  mercy-seat  be  thrown. 

Between  the  porch  and  altar  weep. 
Unworthy  of  the  holiest  place. 

Yet  hoping  near  the  shrine  to  keep 
Our  lowly  cell  in  sight  of  grace.” 

Kehle. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

The  Collect, 

0LORD,  who  for  our  sake  didst  fast  forty  days  and 
forty  nights  ; Give  us  grace  to  use  such  abstinence, 
that,  our  flesh  being  subdued  to  the  Spirit,  we  may 
ever  obey  thy  godly  motions  in  righteousness,  and 
true  holiness,  to  thy  honour  and  glory,  who  livest  and 
reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.  Amen, 


82 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


The  J^pistle.  2.  Cor.  \i.  1,— The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  iv.  L 

1.  Q.  Are  ilie  Sundays  in  Lent  fast  days  ? 

A.  1^0,  but  they  partake  of  the  solemn  nature  of 
the  season. 

2.  Q.  Why  are  these  Sundays  observed  as  feasts  ? 

A.  Because  they  commemorate  the  resurrection  of 
Christ  and  are  therefore  joyous  in  their  char- 
acter. 

3.  Q.  What  confirmation  have  we  of  the  joyous  nar 

ture  of  Sunday  ? 

A.  Ps.  cxviii.  24. 

4.  Q.  Give  an  instance  when  the  first  day  of  the 

week  was  celebrated  as  the  day  of  rest  and 
worship,  instead  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath  ? 

A.  Acts  XX.  7. 

1.  Q.  In  what  are  we  instructed  this  day  ? 

A.  Of  the  necessity  of  fasting. 

2.  Q.  What  do  we  mean  by  fasting  ? 

A.  Denying  our  appetites  and  abstaining  from 
world  y indulgences. 

3.  Q.  What  example  of  fasting  is  given  us  in  the  gos- 

pel? 

A.  St.  Matt.  iv.  1,  2. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  tell  us  we  should  do  in  our 

warfare  against  evil  ? 

A.  1 St.  Peter  ii.  11. 

1.  Q.  Before  what  event  did  our  Saviour  fast  forty 
days  and  forty  nights? 

A.  Before  his  temptation  in  the  wilderness. 


THE  FISST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


83 


2.  Q.  "Why  did  Jesus,  who  was  sinless,  fast  in  prepara- 

tion for  his  temptation  ? 

A.  In  order  that  we  might  have  a perfect  example, 
in  our  efforts  in  overcoming  sin. 

3.  Q.  In  the  Epistle,  what  is  included  in  tliose  things 

by  which  we  “approve  ourselves”  as  minis- 
ters of  God. 

A.  2 Cor.  vi.  5. 

4.  Q.  Did  our  Saviour  attach  any  reward  to  fasting  ? 
A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  object  of  fasting  ? 

A.  That  our  flesh  may  be  subject  to  our  spirit. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  this  ? 

A.  That  by  conquering  the  desires  of  our  flesh,  we 
may  more  easily  obey  the  commands  of  the 
spirit. 

3.  Q.  How  did  St.  Paul  express  this  war  of  the  spirit- 

ual and  carnal  nature  within  him? 

A.  Pom.  vii.  23. 

4.  Q.  What  conclusion  does  he  draw  from  this  natural 

condition  ? 

A.  Pom.  viii.  13. 

1.  Q.  What  may  we  learn  from  the  temptation  of 

Christ  ? 

A.  That  the  devil  will  tempt  even  the  holiest  person. 

2.  Q.  What  is  shown  in  the  method  of  his  temptation  ? 
A.  His  power  in  suiting  his  temptations  to  the  con- 
dition of  those  whom  he  desires  to  destroy. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  recommend  on  account  of 

the  vigilance  of  the  devil  ? 


84 


THE  FIEST  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


A.  1 St.  Peter  v.  8. 

4.  Q.  Does  St.  James  encourage  us  that  if  we  follow 
the  example  of  Christ  we  shall  conquer  ? 

A.  St.  James  iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  overcome  Satan  ? 

A.  By  answering  him,  “ it  is  written.” 

2.  Q.  How  should  we  endeavour  to  overcome  his 

temptations  ? 

A.  By  a strict  adherence  to  the  commands  “ which 
are  written.” 

3.  Q.  What  is  said  of  him  that  overcometh  unto  the 

end  ? 

A.  Kev.  ii.  11. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  told  to  overcome  evil  ? 

A.  Korn.  xii.  21. 

1.  Q.  What  happened  after  the  temptation  of  Christ? 
A.  Angels  came  and  ministered  to  him. 

2.  Q.  What  comfort  do  we  gather  from  this  ? 

A.  That  if  we  resist  temptation,  we  also  shall  receive 
comfort. 

8.  Q.  Will  God  relieve  us  in  all  our  temptations  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  13. 

4.  Q.  How  can  we  obtain  his  assistance  ? 

A.  Heh.  iv.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  season  is  this  day  also  the  beginning  of? 
A.  The  Lenten  Ember  season. 

2.  Q.  What  are  Ember  days  ? 

A.  Days  set  apart  at  the  four  seasons,  to  invoke 
the  divine  aid  in  the  choice  of  ministers  of  the 
gospel. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


85 


8.  Q.  When  do  these  days  come? 

A.  On  the  Wednesdays,  Fridays,  and  Saturdays 
after  the  first  Sunday  in  Lent,  after  Whitsun- 
day, and  after  the  14th  of  September  and  the 
13th  of  December. 

i,  Q.  What  scripture  authority  have  we  for  this  observ- 
ance? 

A.  Acts  xiv.  23. 


“ 0 Lord,  the  wilderness  to  me 
A very  paradise  shall  be, 

Since  Thou  for  forty  days  wast  there, 

In  fasting,  solitude,  and  prayer. 

Unworthy  though  these  feet  to  rest 
On  ground  Thy  footsteps  once  have  blest. 
Thy  way  of  sorrows  shall  be  mine, 

Made  sweet  because  it  first  was  thine. 

Some  quiet  aisle,  or  dim  recess. 

Shall  make  for  me  a wilderness  ; 

And  surely  angels  shall  be  there 
To  wait  on  penitence  and  prayer.” 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

The  Collect. 

Almighty  God,  who  seest  that  we  have  no  power 
of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves ; keep  us  both  out- 
wardly in  our  bodies,  and  inwardly  in  our  souls  ; that 
we  may  be  defended  from  all  adversities  which  may 
happen  to  the  body,  and  from  all  evil  thoughts  which 
may  assault  and  hurt  the  soul,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Amen. 

8 


86 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


The.  Epistle.  1 Thess.  iv.  1. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  xv.  21. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  learn  in  the  service  of  to-day? 

A.  Our  inclination  to  Sin  and  the  disposition  of 
Christ  to  forgive. 

2.  Q.  Have  we  the  power  to  resist  this  inclination  to 

do  evil? 

“We  have  no  power  of  ourselves  to  help  our- 
selves.” 

3.  Q.  Where  else  are  we  instructed  of  our  insuffi- 

ciency? 

A.  2 Cor.  hi.  5. 

4.  Q.  Does  St.  Peter  assure  us  of  the  support  of  God  ? 
A.  1 Peter  i.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  our  insufficiency  in  help- 

ing ourselves  ? 

A.  That  we  cannot  keep  our  bodies  from  harm  or 
our  souls  from  sin. 

2.  Q.  To  whom  then  must  vre  look  for  help  ? 

A.  Unto  God,  through  the  mercy  of  Christ  our  Sa- 
viour? 

3.  Q.  Is  God  able  to  help  us  ? 

A.  St.  Jude  24. 

4.  Q.  What  does  David  say  of  the  power  of  God  in 

our  troubles  ? 

A.  Ps.  xlvi.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  is  it  that  assaults  our  souls  ? 

A.  Evil  thoughts  and  vain  imaginations. 

1.  Q.  How  do  evil  thoughts  assault  the  soul  ? 

A.  By  tempting  it,  and  drawing  it  into  sin  ; thereby 
defiling  it. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


87 


3.  Q.  Are  the  imaginations  of  the  heart  naturally  evil  ? 
A.  Gen.  vi.  o. 

4.  Q.  What  encouragement  is  held  out  for  us  to  turn 

to  God  in  the  time  of  temptation  ? 

A.  Isai.  Iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  What  evidence  have  we  in  the  gospel  for  to-day 

of  the  willingness  of  Christ  to  help  us? 

A.  That  he  listened  to  the  cry  of  the  woman  of 
Canaan. 

2.  Q.  Did  Christ  listen  to  her  immediately? 

A.  No,  he  waited  to  try  her  faith. 

3.  Q.  Wliat  did  the  disciples  urge  him  to  do  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XV.  23. 

4.  Q.  How  does  his  answer  show  that  he  will  ^ear  all 

who  ask  him  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XV.  24. 

1.  Q.  Why  was  the  helping  of  this  woman  of  Canaan 

a peculiar  evidence  of  Christ’s  mercy  ? 

A.  Because  she  was  not  a Jew  but  one  of  the  Gen- 
tile race. 

2.  Q.  Was  this  fact  against  her  ? 

A.  Yes,  because  her  race  had  been  doomed  to  total 
extinction  by  the  curse  of  God. 

3.  Q.  How  then,  in  accordance  with  the  promise  of 

God  to  Abraham,  could  this  woman  receive  a 
blessing  from  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  Gen.  xxii.  18. 

4.  Q.  Did  Christ  acknowledge  that  there  was  hope  for 

others  besides  the  Jews  ? 

A.  St.  John  X.  16. 


88 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


1.  Q.  What  answer  did  the  woman  make  when  Jesus 

said  that  it  w’as  “not  meet  to  take  the  chil- 
dren’s bread  and  cast  it  unto  dogs  ? ” 

^ A.  “ Truth,  Lord,  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs 
which  fall  from  their  master’s  table.” 

2.  Q.  What  did  sfie  mean  by  this  ? 

A.  That  though  she  was  not  worthy  to  receive  the 
best,  yet  she  desired  a little  of  his  mercy. 

3.  Q.  Are  any  of  us  worthy  of  the  favour  of  Christ  ? 
A.  Rom.  iii.  12. 

4r.  Q.  How  did  Jacob  express  his  sense  of  unworthiness  ? 
A.  Gen.  xxxii.  10,  first  clause. 

1.  Q.  Did  the  woman  of  Canaan  receive  an  answer  to 

^ her  prayer  ? 

A.  “Her  daughter  was  made  whole  from  that 
hour.” 

2.  Q.  On  what  ground  did  she  receive  it  ? 

A.  Because  of  her  faith  and  earnestness  in  asking. 

3.  Q.  Will  God  exorcise  the  demon  of  sin  within  us 

if  we  repent  and  ask  his  assistance  ? 

A.  Dan.  ix.  9,  10. 

4.  Q.  What  then  is  your  duty  in  order  to  obtain  the 

forgiveness  of  God  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  XV.  18,  19. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  example  of  this  woman  teach  us? 

A.  To  “ continue  constant  in  prayer.” 

B.  Q.  How  are  we  encouraged  by  her  final  success  ? 

A.  That  though  God  may  for  a time  hide  his  face 
from  us,  yet  he  will  finally  hear  us  if  we  per- 
severe in  our  prayer. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


89 


S.  Q.  How  often  should  we  pray  for  forgiveness? 

A.  St.  Luke  xviii.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.Paul  say  to  the  Galatians  in  refer  ■ 
ence  to  perseverance  in  well  doing  ? 

A.  Gal.  vi.  9. 


“ And  is  there  in  God’s  world  so  drear  a place 
Where  the  loud  bitter  cry  is  raised  in  vain  ? 
Where  tears  of  penance  come  too  late  for  grace, 
As  on  the  uprooted  flowers  the  genial  rain  ? 

’Tis  even  so  : the  Sovereign  Lord  of  souls 
Stores  in  the  dungeon  of  his  boundless  realm 
Each  bolt,  that  o’er  the  sinner  vainly  rolls, 

With  gathered  wrath  the  reprobate  to  whelm.” 

Kehle, 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  m LENT. 

The  Collect, 

WE  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  look  upon  the 
hearty  desires  of  thy  humble  servants,  and  stretch 
forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  Majesty,  to  be  our  defence 
against  all  our  enemies  ; through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Eph.  v.  1.—  2’Ae  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xi.  14. 

1.  Q.  Of  what  are  we  reminded  in  the  services  of  to- 
day ? 

A.  The  power  of  Satan  and  his  angels. 

2.  Q.  What  power  has  Satan  and  his  angels  pvei 
men? 

A.  The  power  of  leading  them  into  temptation. 

8* 


90 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


3.  Q.  What  instance  can  you  relate  of  the  presumption 

of  the  devil  in  tempting  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  i.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  testimony  of  St.  Peter  of  the  power 

of  Satan  ? 

A.  1 St.  Peter  v.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  power  is  revealed  which  is  capable  of 

destroying  the  power  of  Satan  ? 

A.  The  power  of  Jesus  Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  power  called  in  the  Collect,  which 

used  to  be  applied  to  Christ  ? 

A.  “ The  right  hand  of  God’s  majesty.” 

3.  Q.  How  did  Christ  show  this  power  over  Satan 

when  he  was  tempted  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  iv.  10. 

4.  Q.  Does  this  give  us  confidence  that  he  can  help  us 

when  we  are  tempted  ? 

A.  Heb.  ii.  18. 

1.  Q.  How  was  this  power  of  Christ  manifested  in 

the  gospel  for  to-day. 

A.  By  his  casting  out  a devil  from  the  dumb  man. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  cause  of  the  deafness  and  dumb- 

ness of  this  afflicted  man  ? 

A.  The  demon  which  was  in  him. 

8.  Q.  Why  do  you  think  it  was  through  the  infiuence 
of  the  demon  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xi.  14. 

4.  Q.  Does  Satan  close  the  senses  of  those  whom  he 
would  destroy  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  15. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


91 


1.  Q.  By  wliat  power  did  the  unbelieving  people  say 

that  our  Saviour  cast  out  the  devil? 

A.  “ Through  Beelzebub,  the  chief  of  the  devils.” 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  object  of  the  Pharisees  in  this 

accusation  ? 

A.  That  the  people  might  not  believe  in  the  power 
of  Christ  to  work  miracles. 

3.  Q.  Were  miracles  designed  to  show  forth  Christ’s 

power  and  glory  ? 

A.  St,  John  ii.  11. 

4.  Q.  From  what  words  of  St.  Peter  do  we  gather  the 

idea  that  on  the  miracles  was  founded  a proof 
of  Christ’s  power  ? 

A.  2 St.  Peter  i.  16. 

1.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  answer  this  charge  of  the 

Pharisees  ? 

A.  ‘‘  If  Satan  be  divided  against  himself  how  shall 
his  kingdom  stand?  ” 

2.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  mean  by  asking  them 

“ By  whom  do  your  sons  cast  them  out  ? ” 

A.  To  rebuke  those  who  believed  that  their  sons 
who  were  exorcists  had  power  over  devils. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  cures  of  the  exorcists 

were  incomplete. 

A.  St.  Matt.  ix.  33. 

4.  Q.  In  what  other  place  in  Scripture  is  this  power 

called  “ the  finger  of  God.” 

A.  Ex.  viii.  19. 

1.  Q.  Of  what  did  Christ  say  that  this  miracle  was 
an  evidence  ? 


92 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


A.  That  the  kingdom  of  God  had  come  among  them. 

2.  Q,  What  did  he  mean  by  this  ? 

A.  That  He,  by  this,  proved  his  divinity,  and  there- 
fore the  truth  of  bis  mission. 

3.  Q.  In  what  does  St.  Paul  say,  consists  the  kingdom 

of  God? 

A-  1 Cor.  iv.  20. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  kingdom  of  God,  or  the  Church  of 

Christ  called  in  the  Colossians  ? 

A.  Col.  i.  24. 

1.  Q.  Of  what  does  the  gospel  warn  us? 

A.  To  watch  against  the  attacks  of  the  devil. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  do  this  ? 

A.  By  constantly  examining  our  hearts,  and  asking 
God  to  search  our  hearts. 

3.  Q.  How  did  David  ask  God  to  assist  him  in  this 

duty  ? 

A.  Ps.  cxxxix.  23,  24. 

4.  Q.  What  greatest  of  all  sins  did  our  Saviour  warn 

the  Pharisees  of  at  the  time  that  he  worked 
this  miracle  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xii.  31. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Jesus  conclude  this  miracle  ? 

A.  By  the  promise  of  a blessing  to  those  w^ho  are 
faithful. 

2.  Q.  Do  we  learn  any  thing  from  the  manner  in  which 

he  said  this  ? 

A.  Yes;  that  though  his  Holy  mother  was  blessed 
among  w^omen,  yet  more  blessed  was  he 
that  believed. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


93 


3.  Q.  In  wliat  then  consisted  the  greatest  honour  of 

the  Blessed  Virgin  ? 

A.  That  she  was  united  to  him  not  only  as  his 
mother  but  as  her  Saviour  and  Redeemer. 

4.  Q.  How  can  we  gather  from  the  words  of  our  Sa- 

viour that  they  were  nearest  him  wTio  be- 
lieved in  him  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xii.  49,  50. 


“ See  Lucifer  like  lightning  fall, 

Dash’d  from  his  throne  of  pride  ; 

While  answering  Thy  victorious  call, 

The  saints  his  spoils  divide, 

This  world  of  thine,  by  him  usurp’d  too  long. 

Now  opening  all  her  stores  to  heal  thy  servants’  wrong. 

There’s  not  a strain  to  memory  dear. 

Nor  flower  in  classic  grove, 

There’s  not  a sweet  note  warbled  here 
But  minds  us  of  Thy  love. 

0 Lord,  our  Lord,  and  Spoiler  of  our  foes. 

There  is  no  light  but  Thine  ; with  Thee  all  beauty  glows.” 

Kehle, 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

The  Collect, 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  we, 
who  for  our  evil  deeds  do  worthily  deserve  to  be 
punished,  by  the  comfort  of  thy  grace  may  mercifully 
be  relieved ; through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Gal.  iv.  21. — The  Gospel.  'Jt.  John  vi.  L 

1.  Q.  What  is  this  Sunday  called  ? 


94 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


A.  The  Sunday  of  refreshment. 

2.  Q.  Why  has  this  name  been  given  to  it  ? 

A.  Because  as  Christ  satisfied  the  hungry  by  the 
miraculous  feeding,  so  he  will  feed  the  soul 
with  the  bread  of  life. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  miraculous  feeding  recorded? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  10,  11. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  the  spiritual  food  spoken  of? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  54,  55. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  design  of  tljis  Sunday? 

A.  To  teach  us  to  hope  in  Jesus. 

2.  Q.  How  is  this  encouragement  exhibited? 

A.  By  showing  us  our  freedom  as  the  sons  of  God. 

3.  Q.  How  may  we  become  the  sons  of  God? 

A.  St.  John  i.  12. 

4.  Q.  As  the  sons  of  God,  how  are  we  assured  of  our 

freedom  ? 

A.  Gal.  iv.  T. 

1.  Q.  To  what  do  we  now  look  forward  ? 

A.  To  Christ  as  our  Passover. 

2.  Q.  How  is  Christ  our  Passover? 

A.  He  was  slain  as  the  paschal  lamb,  to  free  us  from 
our  sins. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  Christ  said  to  be  sacrificed  as  our  Pass- 

over? 

A.  1 Cor.  V.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  to  celebrate  this  event  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  V.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  therefore  does  the  miracle  in  the  gospel 
illustrate  ? 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


95 


• A.  The  Holy  Eucharist,  or  Communion. 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  object  of  the  Holy  Eucharist  ? 

A.  To  strengthen  and  refresh  our  souls. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  command  given  to  celebrate  the 

Holy  Eucharist  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxii.  19. 

4.  Q.  Is  obedience  to  this  command  essential  to  the 

Chrhtian  life? 

A,  St.  John  vi.  53. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  Holy  Eucharist  commemorate? 
A.  It  sliows  forth  the  death  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  Christ  use  bread  and  wine  in  this  sac- 

rament ? 

A.  To  represent  his  broken  body  and  his  blood  shed 
for  man. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  asserted  in  Scripture  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xiv.  22,  24. 

4.  Q.  Could  there  have  been  remission  of  sins  without 

this  sacrifice  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Heb.  ix.  22. 

1.  Q.  What  is  given  to  the  worthy  recipient  of  the 

Holy  Eucharist? 

A.  Grace  to  keep  Christ’s  commandments. 

2.  Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  unworthy  reception  of  the 

sacrament  ? 

A.  Partaking  of  the  Lord’s  Supper  improperly,  irrev- 
erently, without  discerning  the  Lord’s  body. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  those  who  receive 

this  sacrament  unworthily? 

A.  1 Cor.  xi.  27. 


96 


THE  FOUKTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


4.  Q.  What  i^reparation  does  he  urge  upon  Christians 
who  are  about  to  receive  it? 

A.  1 Cor.  xi.  28. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  confess  in  the  collect  for  this  day? 
A.  That  we  need  God’s  grace. 

2.  Q.  From  what  does  the  grace  of  God  free  us? 

A.  From  that  punishment  which  for  our  evil  deeds 
we  do  worthily  deserve. 

3.  Q.  Is  the  grace  of  God  sufficient  to  keep  us  from  all 

evils  and  temptations  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  xii.  9. 

4.  Q.  To  whom  is  the  grace  of  God  promised? 

A.  St.  James  iv.  6. 

1.  Q.  In  whose  name  do  we  pray  for  this  grace  ? 

A.  In  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  blessed  Ke- 
deemer. 

2.  Q.  Why  do  we  pray  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  ? 
A.  Because  through  the  death  and  sufferings  of 

Jesus  Christ  our  pardon  was  procured. 

3.  Q.  Why  is  calling  on  the  name  of  Christ  an  assur- 

ance of  its  being  given  ? 

A.  St.  John  i.  lY. 

4.  Q.  How  extensive  is  the  promise  to  those  who  ask 

in  the  name  of  Christ  ? 

A.  St.  John  xiv.  13. 


“ 0 help  us^  Lord,  each  hour  of  need 
Thy  heavenly  succour  give  ; 

Help  us  in  thought,  and  word,  and  deed, 
Each  hour  on  earth  we  live. 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


97 


0 help  us,  Saviour,  from  on  high. 

We  know  no  help  but  Thee; 

0 help  us  so  to  live  and  die. 

As  Thine  in  heaven  to  be.’^ 

Milman, 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 

The  Collect, 

WE  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  mercifully  to 
look  upon  thy  people  ; that  by  thy  great  good- 
ness they  may  be  governed  and  preserved  evermore, 
both  in  body  and  soul ; through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen, 

The.  Epistle,  Heb.  ix.  11. — The  Gospel.  St.  John  viii.  46. 

1.  Q.  What  is  this  Sunday  called? 

A.  Passion  Sunday. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  this  name  given  to  the  fifth  Sunday  in 
Lent? 

A.  B*ecause  the  story  of  our  Lord’s  sufferings  and 
death  begins  in  the  services  of  this  day. 

3.  Q.  Where  in  the  Old  Testament  was  the  passion 
and  death  of  Christ  predicted  ? 

A.  Isai.  liii.  8. 

4.  Q.  Where  in  the  N’ew  Testament  is  this  quotation 
referred  to  our  blessed  Kedeemer  ? 

A.  Acts  viii.  32-35. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  do  for  us  which  we  celebrate 
at  this  time  ? 

A.  He  suffered,  was  crucified  and  buried. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  object  of  the  sufferings  and  death 
of  our  Saviour  ? 

9 


98 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


A.  To  save  us  from  the  punishment  which  we  for 
our  sins  deserve. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  person  who  was  to 

save  us,  was  the  same  as  Jesus  of  Hazareth  ? 
A.  St.  Matt.  i.  21. 

4.  Q.  Is  there  no  hope  of  salvation  in  any  other  than 

Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  iii.  11. 

1.  Q.  How  were  the  Jews  under  the  law  purged  from 

sin  ? 

A.  By  the  sacrifice  of  bulls  and  goats. 

2.  Q.  How  did  these  sacrifices  wash  away  sins « 

A.  Because,  as  an  act  of  faith,  it  reminded  God  of 
the  sacrifice  of  his  Son. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  system  of  the  legal  sacrifices 

recorded  ? 

A.  Humbers,  xix.  9. 

4.  Q.  How  is  this  sacrifice  under  the  law,  used  as  an 

argument  by  St.  Paul  to  prove  the  efficacy 
of  the  sacrifice  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Heb.  ix.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  is  it  that  really  saves  us  from  the  punish- 

ment of  sin  ? 

A.  The  blood  of  our  dear  Lord. 

2.  Q.  Where  did  Christ  make  this  sacrifice  for  us? 

A.  On  Calvary;  a mount  without  the  gates  of 

Jerusalem ; where  he  was  crucified  between 
two  thieves. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  we  assured  of  forgiveness  through 

the  blood  of  Christ  ? 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


99 


A.  1 John  i.  7. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  the  record  of  his  crucifixion? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  33. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  sacrifice  and  death  of  Christ  called 
A.  The  atonement. 

2.  Q.  What  do  we  mean  by  the  atonement  ? 

A.  The  plan,  by  which  the  wrath  of  God  was  turn* 
ed  away  from  fallen  man,  through  the  volun- 
tary offering  of  Christ. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Prophet  Daniel  declare  of 

Christ? 

A.  Dan.  ix.  26. 

4.  Q.  What  honor,  paid  to  Christ,  does  St.  John  record 

in  his  vision  ? 

A.  Rev.  V.  9. 

1.  Q.  What  will  the  blood  of  Christ  do  for  those  who 

believe  in  him? 

A.  It  will  make  them  pure  and  good  in  the  eyes 
of  God. 

2.  Q.  Will  simple  faith  in  Christ  change  our  natures  ? 
A.  Ko,  we  must  hGieve  and  also  show  our  faith  by 

our  works. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  of  those  who  have 

faith  without  works  ? 

A.  St.  James  ii.  14. 

4.  Q.  What  instance  does  he  draw  of  believing  which 

did  not  eflect  salvation  ? 

A.  St.  James  ii.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  Collect  ? 

A.  That  we  may  accept  his  mercy. 


100 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  IN  LENT. 


2.  Q.  Ho  y will  liis  looking  mercifully  upon  us  accom- 

plish this  benefit  ? 

A.  By  directing  us  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  so  that  our 
thoughts,  words  and  actions  may  be  conform- 
able to  his  blessed  will. 

3.  Q.  If  we  believe  in  Christ  will  this  directing  grace 

be  given  to  us  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  36. 

4.  Q.  What  further  promise  does  Christ  give  to  those 

who  love  him  and  keep  his  commandments? 
A.  St.  John  xiv.  21. 

1.  Q.  Who  are  God’s  people  referred  to  in  the  Collect? 
A.  All  wdio  have  been  baptized  in  his  name. 

2.  Q.  Are  little  children  God’s  people  ? 

A.  Yes,  because  all  who  are  received  into  his  Church 
by  baptism  become  his  children,  and  promise 
to  be  faithful  to  his  fatherly  commands. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  all  such  are  the  sons  of 

God? 

A.  Kom.  viii.  14. 

4.  Q.  Is  baptism  one  of  the  positive  and  essential  com- 

mands of  Christ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  5. 


0 sacred  head,  now  wounded  ! 

With  grief  and  shame  weighed  down ; 
0 sacred  brow,  surrounded 

With  thorns,  Thine  only  crown  ! 

Once  on  a throne  of  glory, 

Adorned  with  light  divine. 

Now  all  despised  and  gory, 

I joy  to  call  Thee  mine.” 


THE  SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER.  101 


THE  SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER. 

The  Collect. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who,  of  thy  ten- 
der love  towards  mankind,  hast  sent  thy  Son,  our 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  take  upon  him  our  flesh,  and 
to  sufter  death  upon  the  cross,  that  all  mankind  should 
follow  the  example  of  his  great  humility ; Mercifully 
grant,  that  we  may  both  follow  the  example  of  his 
patience,  and  also  be  made  partakers  of  his  resurrec- 
tion ; through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Phil.  ii.  ^.—The  Gospel.  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  1. 

1.  Q.  By  what  name  is  this  Sunday  known  ? 

A.  It  is  called  Palm  Sunday. 

2.  Q.  From  what  circumstance  does  it  derive  its 
name? 

A.  The  entry  of  our  Saviour  into  Jerusalem,  at 
which  time  the  multitude  strewed  palm 
branches  before  him. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  entry  of  Christ  into  Jerusalem 
recorded  in  the  gospel  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xi.  8. 

4.  Q.  Why  did  the  disciples  rejoice  and  praise  God? 
A.  St.  Luke  xix.  3T. 

1.  Q,  How  did  our  blessed  Lord  enter  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  As  the  King  of  the  whole  world. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  he  thus  enter  as  a king? 

A.  Because,  being  Lord  and  King  of  the  whole 
earth,  he  desired  to  assume  the  title  which 
the  prophets  had  foretold  he  should  bear. 

9* 


102  THE  SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER. 


3.  Q,  Where  and  what  is  the  prophecy  of  his  coming 

into  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  Zech.  ix.  9. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  it  said  that  Christ  should  he  King  of 

the  whole  earth  ? 

A.  Zech.  xiv.  9. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  Jews  receive  their  King? 

A.  With  shouts  of  gladness. 

2.  Q.  What  were  the  words  they  used  ? 

A.  ‘‘Hosanna!  Blessed  is  He  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord.” 

3.  Q.  Were  these  shouts,  which  the  multitude  raised 

on  the  entry  of  Christ  into  Jerusalem,  sin- 
cere ? 

A.  Ko,  for  they  thought  that  they  were  hailing  a 
king  who  would  improve  their  \vorldly  con- 
dition as  a nation. 

4.  Q.  What  subsequent  scene  proves  that  the  Jews 

were  insincere  in  their  acclamations  on  Palm 
Sunday. 

A.  St.  John  xix.  5,  6. 

1.  Q.  What  did  they  think  that  Jesus  had  come  for  ? 
A.  To  be  a King,  like  David  or  Solomon. 

2.  Q.  What  did  the  Jews  expect  our  Saviour  to  do  ? 

A.  To  re-establish  the  throne  of  his  Father  David, 

and  rule  over  them  with  great  glory  and 
splendor. 

8.  Q.  Give  an  example  of  such  prophecies  as  caused 
the  Jews  to  believe  in  a temporal  Messiah  ? 

A.  Jer.  xxiii.  5,  6. 


THE  SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER.  103 

t.  Q.  Give  an  example  of  those  prophecies  concerning 
the  coming  of  Christ  in  humility,  which  the 
Jews  overlooked  or  misinterpreted? 

A.  Isaiah  liii.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  real  nature  of  Christ’s  coming  as 

a King. 

A.  To  he  their  spiritual  ruler  and  king. 

2.  Q.  Did  the  Jews  understand  the  true  nature  of  the 

Messiah  ? 

A.  Ko,  they  did  not  seem  to  know  that  Christ 
came  as  a spiritual  and  not  a temporal 
king. 

3.  Q.  What  prophecy  of  Daniel  made  the  Jews  believe 

in  the  supremacy  of  the  kingdom  which 
Christ  should  establish  ? 

A.  Dan.  ii.  44. 

4.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  endeavor  to  persuade  them 

of  their  error  ? 

A.  St.  John  xviii.  36. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Jesus  therefore  come  to  proclaim  his 

kingdom  ? 

A.  In  great  humility. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  Christ  appear  in  this  humility  and  not 

with  all  the  pomp  of  a king  ? 

A.  Because  he  would  show  how  little  he  thought  of 
earthly  grandeur,  and  that  his  kingdom  W’as 
not  of  this  world. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  of  the  humility  of 

Christ  ? 

A.  1 St.  Peter  ii.  23. 


104  THE  SUNDAY  NEXT  BEFORE  EASTER. 

4.  Q.  Iq  what  language  did  Isaiah  proclaim  the  pro- 
cess of  salvation  through  the  humility  of 
Christ  ? 

A.  Isaiah  liii.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  therefore  taught  in  the  Collect  for 

•to-day  ? 

A.  That  we  should  also  be  humble. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  show  our  humility  ? 

A.  By  being  patient,  and  bearing  meekly  as  our 
Saviour  did  all  the  trials  and  disappointments 
which  may  at  any  time  befall  us. 

3.  Q.  What  does  our  blessed  liedeemer  tell  us  to  do? 
A.  St.  Matt.  xi.  29. 

4.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  exhort  us  to  patiently  run 

our  race  ? 

A.  Heb.  xii.  1,  2. 

1.  Q.  What  is  promised  to  those  who  follow  the  ex- 

ample of  Christ’s  humility  ? 

A.  That  they  shall  live  with  him  in  heaven. 

2.  Q.  How  shall  we  be  enabled  to  live  after  the  exam- 

ple of  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  By  praying  earnestly  for  the  grace  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

3.  Q.  Is  there  any  special  necessity  for  us  to  pray  in 

the  name  of  Jesus  Christ? 

A.  St.  John  xvi.  23,  24. 

4.  Q.  What  consolation  does  our  Saviour  offer  to  those 

who  suffer  tribulation  in  this  world  ? 

A.  St.  John  xvi.  33. 


GOOD  FRIDAY. 


105 


**  Ride  on  ! ride  on  in  majesty ! 

Hark  ! all  the  tribes  Hosanna  cry. 

Thine  humble  beast  pursues  his  road 
With  palms  and  scattered  garments  strewed. 

Ride  on  ! ride  on  in  majesty  ! 

In  lowly  pomp  ride  on  to  die ! 

0 Christ,  Thy  triumphs  now  begin 
O’er  captive  death  and  conquered  sin.” 

Mrs.  Stone, 


GOOD  FRIDAY. 

The  Collects, 

Almighty  God,  -we  beseecli  thee  graciously  to 
behold  this  thy  family,  for  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  was  contented  to  be  betrayed,  and  given  up 
into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  and  to  suffer  death 
upon  the  cross,  who  now  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without 
end.  Amen, 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  by  whose  Spirit 
the  whole  body  of  the  Church  is  governed  and 
sanctified ; Keceive  our  supplications  and  prayers, 
which  we  offer  before  thee  for  all  estates  of  men  in 
thy  holy  Church,  that  every  member  of  the  same,  in 
his  vocation  and  ministry,  may  truly  and  godly  serve 
thee;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen, 

OMEKCIFUL  God,  who  hast  made  all  men,  and 
barest  nothing  that  thou  hast  made,  nor  desirest 
the  death  of  a sinner,  but  ratiier  that  he  should  be 
converted  and  live  ; Have  mercy  upon  all  Jews,  Turks, 
Infidels,  and  Heretics ; and  take  from  them  all  igno- 
1 ranee,  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  Word ; 
and  so  fetch  them  home,  blessed  Lord,  to  thy  flock, 


106 


GOOD  FKIDAY. 


that  they  may  be  saved  among  the  remnant  of  the  true 
Israelites,  and  be  made  one  fold  under  one  shepherd, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Heb.  x.  1. — The  Gospel.  St.  John  xix.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  great  event  does  the  Church  celebrate 

to-day  ? 

A.  The  crucifixion  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  it  called  Good  Friday  ? 

A.  Because  of  the  great  good  that  we  derive  from 
ilie  crucifixion  of  Christ  on  this  day. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  Christ  spoken  of  in  prophecy,  as  the 

Lamb  who  should  be  slain  for  us  ? 

A.  Isai.  liii.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  sacrifice  of  Christ 

was  voluntary  on  his  part  ? 

A.  St.  John  xix.  11. 

1.  Q.  What  kind  of  punishment  was  the  death  on  the 

cross  ? 

A.  A Roman  punishment  of  nailing  the  person  on 
the  cross. 

2.  Q.  What  kind  of  criminals  were  usually  put  to 

death  in  this  way  ? 

A.  Slaves  and  the  most  depraved  criminals. 

3.  Q.  What  did  the  soldiers  who  crucified  him,  do 

with  the  garments  of  Jesus  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  35. 

4.  Q.  What  had  been  said  by  the  Psalmist  concerning 

the  disposal  of  his  garments  ? 

A.  Ps.  xxii.  18. 


GOOD  FKIDAY. 


lor 


1.  Q.  What  was  the  cliaracter  of  those  who  wero 

crucified  with  Jesus? 

A.  They  were  two  common  thieves. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  they  crucify ' him  in  company  with 

such  abandoned  characters? 

A.  In  order  to  put  as  much  shame  upon  him  as 
possible. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  it  stated  that  Christ  was  crucified  with 

two  malefactors? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  33. 

4.  Q.  What  did  one  of  the  malefactors  say  to  Jesus? 
A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  39. 

1.  Q.  What  flowed  from  the  side  of  our  Lord  when 

the  soldier  pierced  it  ? 

A.  Water  and  blood. 

2.  Q.  What  two  sacraments  of  the  Gospel  are  these 

supposed  to  symbolize  ? 

A.  The  water  was  symbolical  of  Baptism,  and  the 
blood  of  the  Holy  communion. 

8.  Q.  Eecite  passages  in  the  Gospel  which  show  the 
necessity  of  these  two  sacraments  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  5 ; vi.  53. 

4.  Q.  From  what  commandment  of  Christ  do  we  be- 
lieve that  these  sacraments  must  be  adminis- 
tered by  persons  lawfully  ordained  for  that 
purpose  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 

1.  Q.  Why  was  it  necessary  that  Christ  should  die? 
A.  That  we  might  be  saved  from  death. 

2.  Q.  What  had  it  been  said  that  Christ  should  do  ? 


108 


GOOD  FKIDAY. 


A.  That  he  should  ‘‘  bear  our  sins  in  his  own  body 
on  the  tree.” 

3.  Q.  Where  is  it  said  that  we  are  saved  by  the  sacri- 
fice of  Christ  ? 

A.  Heb.  X.  10. 

4:.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  sacrifice  of  Christ 
once  ofiered  is  not  to  be  repeated  ? 

A.  Heb.  X.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  should  we  learn  from  the  death  and  sacri- 

fice of  Christ? 

A.  How  great  our  sins  are  that  should  need  such  a 
sacrifice. 

2.  Q.  Could  we  not  have  been  pardoned  of  our  sins 

without  the  sufferings  and  death  of  our  Sa- 
viour ? 

A.  Ho;  for  man  lost  all  other  hope  of  salvation 
through  his  disobedience. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Psalmist  say  of  the  sinfulness  of 

men  ? 

A.  Ps.  xiv.  3. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  salvation  comes  alone 

through  Christ  ? 

A.  Acts  iv.  12. 

1.  Q.  How  should  this  blessed  sacrifice  of  Christ  af- 

fect us? 

A.  It  should  make  us  love  him. 

2.  Q.  How  did  Christ  set  us  an  example  of  love  even 

at  the  time  of  his  death  ? 

A.  By  forgiving  his  persecutors,  and  praying  liia 
Father  that  he  would  pardon  them. 


GOOD  FRIDAY. 


109 


8.  Q.  What  was  this  prayer  of  Christ  for  his  persecu- 
tors ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  84. 

4.  Q.  What  words  of  comfort  did  Christ  speak  to  the 
penitent  thief? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  43. 

1.  Q.  How  can  we  best  show  forth  our  love  for  Christ? 
A.  By  obeying  his  commandments? 

2.  Q Is  it  possible  for  us  really  to  love  Christ  and  yet 

disobey  his  commands? 

A.  Ho;  love  to  Christ  involves  the  idea  of  obedi- 
ence— love  therefore  is  not  merely  feeling  but 
it  includes  the  doing. 

3.  Q.  What  does  our  blessed  Saviour  say  of  all  those 

who  love  him? 

A.  St.  John  xiv.  23. 

4.  Q.  What  does  the  love  of  Christ  prompt  us  in  ref- 

erence to  our  feeling  for  others  ? 

A.  1 John  iv.  21. 

“ Lord  of  my  heart,  by  thy  last  cry, 

Let  not  thy  blood  on  earth  be  spent — 

Lo,  at  thy  feet  I fainting  lie, 

Mine  eyes  upon  thy  wounds  are  bent. 

Upon  thy  streaming  wounds  my  weary  eyes 
W ait  hke  parched  earth  on  April  skies. 

Wash  me,  and  dry  these  bitter  tears, 

0 let  my  heart  no  further  roam, 

’Tis  thine  by  vows,  and  hopes  and  fears. 

Long  since ; 0 call  thy  wanderer  home ; 

To  that  dear  home,  safe  in  Thy  wounded  side, 

Where  only  broken  hearts  their  sin  and  shame  may  hide.’’ 
-t  ^ Keble, 


110 


EASTER  EVEN. 


EASTER  EVEN. 
The  Collect, 


Grant,  O Lord,  that  as  we  are  baptized  into  the 
death  of  thy  blessed  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
60  by  continual  mortifying  our  corrupt  affections  we 
may  be  buried  with  him ; and  that  through  the  grave, 
and  gate  of  death,  we  may  pass  to  our  joyful  resurrec- 
tion ; for  his  merits,  who  died,  and  was  buried,  and  rose 
again  for  us,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 
The  Epistle.  1 St.  Pet.  iii.  17. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  57. 


1.  Q.  What  is  the  last  day  of  Lent  called  ? 

A.  Easter  Even,  or  the  Vigil  of  Easter. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  it  called  a vigil  ? 

A.  Because  the  early  Christians  abstained  from 
sleep  on  the  evening  before  a great  festival, 
for  the  x>urpose  of  holy  meditation. 

'3.  Q.  Whom  are  we  to  consider  in  these  meditations? 

A.  Heb.  iii.  1. 

■4,  Q.  What  advantage  does  St.  Paul  point  out  to  St. 

Timothy  to  be  derived  from  these  holy  medi- 
tations ? 

A.  1 Tim.  iv.  15. 


1.  Q.  What  do  we  commemorate  on  this  day? 

A.  The  time  that  our  Saviour  spent  in  the  grave, 

:2.  Q.  Where  was  Christ  buried  ? 

* A.  In  the  tomb  of  Joseph  of  Arimathiea. 

.3.  Q.  What  did  Joseph  do  when  he  had  begged  the 
body  of  Jesus  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  59,  60. 


EASTEK  EVEN. 


Ill 


4.  Q.  IIow  did  the  Marys  show  their  love  for  their 
master  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  creed  tell  us  that  Christ  did  be- 

tween his  death  and  resurrection? 

A.  “ He  descended  into  Hell,”  or  the  place  of  depart- 
ed spirits  ? 

2.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  do  at  that  time  ? 

A.  St.  Peter  tells  us  that  “ He  went  and  preached 
to  the  spirits  in  prison.” 

3.  Q.  How  does  the  Epistle  show  us  that  the  Spirit 

of  Christ  was  alive,  although  his1)ody  was  in 
the  grave  ? 

A.  1 Pet.  iii.  18. 

4.  Q.  What  does  he  say  of  baptism  in  this  connection  ? 
A.  1 Pet.  iii.  21. 

1.  Q.  If  Christ  was  dead  and  buried  why  did  the  dis- 

ciples .watch  this  night  ? 

A.  Because  he  was  to  rise  again  ? 

2.  Q.  Did  they  understand  what  was  meant  by  the 

resurrection  ? 

A.  Ho;  but  they  doubtless  had  an  idea  that  it  re- 
ferred to  some  great  event  which  should 
come  to  pass  on  the  morrow. 

3.  Q.  How  did  the  Chief  Priests  and  Pharisees  show 

that  they  feared  the  disciples  would  use  dishon- 
est means  in  establishing  the  truth  of  the  res- 
urrection of  Christ  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxvli.  64. 


112 


EASTER  EVEN. 


4.  Q.  "What  words  of  David  did  St.  Peter  quote  as 
foretelling  the  resurrection  of  our  Lord  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  27. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  collect  of  the  day  teach  us  con- 

cerning ourselves  ? 

A.  That  we  are  baptized  into  the  death  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  expression  mean  ? 

A.  That  by  baptism  we  are  required  to  die  to  all 
as  He  died  for  all  sin. 

8.  Q.  Where  is  the  scripture  proof  that  we  are  bap- 
tized into  the  death  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Kom.  vi.  3. 

4.  Q.  Where  are  we  commanded  to  die  unto  sin  ? 

A.  Rom.  vi.  11. 

1.  Q.  What  then  are  wo  instructed  to  do? 

A.  To  mortify  our  corrupt  affections. 

2.  Q.  In  what  w'ay  may  yon  overcome  your  evil 

desires  ? 

A.  By  the  grace  of  God  given  in  baptism  and  con- 
stant prayer. 

8.  Q.  What  are  the  Colossians  told  to  do? 

A.  Col.  iii.  5. 

4.  Q.  What  will  be  the  result  of  this  mortification  of 
the  flesh  ? 

A.  Rom.  viii.  13. 

1.  Q.  On  what  do  we  place  our  hope,  that  we  will 

“ pass  to  our  joyful  resurrection  ? ” 

A.  On  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  merits  of  our  Saviour  ? 


EASTER  DAY. 


113 


A.  ITifi  voluntary  suffering  and  death  for  us  sin- 
ners, by  which  the  justice  of  the  Father  was 
satisfied. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  we  assured  that  Christ  died  for  our 

sins? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  3. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  tell  the  Eomans  will  be  our 

reward  if  we  are  faithful  to  our  vows? 

A.  Pom.  vi.  5. 


“ Prisoner  of  Hope  thou  art — look  up  and  sing 
In  hope  of  promis’d  spring. 

As  in  the  pit  his  father’s  darling  lay 
Beside  the  desert  way, 

And  knew  not  how,  but  knew  his  God  would  save 
Even  from  that  living  grave, 

So,  buried  with  our  Lord,  we’ll  close  our  eyes 
To  the  decaying  world,  till  Angels  bid  us  rise.” 

Kehle. 


EASTER  HAY. 

The  Collect, 

Almighty  God,  who  through  thine  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  and  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life ; We  humbly  be- 
seech thee,  that,  as  by  thy  special  grace  preventing  us. 
thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good  desires,  so  by  thy 
continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to  good  effect ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God, 
world  without  end.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Col.  iii.  l.—  The  Gospel.  St.  John  sx.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  truth  is  celebrated  on  Easter  Day  ? 

10* 


114 


EASTEK  DAY. 


A.  The  resurrection  of  Christ  from  the  dead. 

2.  Q.  From  what  is  the  word  Easter  derived  ? 

A.  From  the  old  Saxon  word  Oster,  which  means 
“to  rise.” 

8.  Q.  Who  was  the  first  to  discover  that  Jesus  had 
risen  ? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  evidence,  at  the  Sepulchre,  did  the  angel 
give  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  great  Jewish  feast  corresponded  to  Easter  ? 
A.  Tim  feast  of  the  Passover. 

2.  Q.  What  feast  did  Christ  institute  wdiich  cor- 

responded with  the  eating  of  the  paschal 
lamb  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Eucharist  or  the  Sacrament  of  the 
Lord’s  Supper. 

3.  Q.  What  Prophet  speaks  of  our  Saviour  as  the  real 

paschal  lamb. 

A.  Isaiah  liii.  L 

4.  Q.  Where  does  St.  Paul  recognize  Christ  as  our 

Passover  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  V.  7. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  Chief  Priests  try  to  disprove  the 

fact  that  Christ  rose  from  the  dead  ? 

A.  By  bribing  the  guards  to  say  that  while  they 
slept,  Christ’s  disciples  stole  his  body. 

2.  Q.  Bid  the  soldiers  tell  this  false  story  ? 

A.  Yes;  “and  this  saying  is  reported  among  the 
Jews  till  this  day.” 


EASTER  DAY. 


115 


S.  Q.  How  did  Jesus  prove  to  his  disciples  that  it 
was  really  He  who  had  risen  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiv.  39. 

4.  Q.  What  did  St.  Thomas  demand  before  he  would 
believe? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  25. 

1.  Q.  W'hat  great  event  took  place  at  this  time  ? 

A.  The  vail  of  the  Temple  was  rent  from  top  to 
bottom. 

2.  Q.  What  other  startling  occurrence  transpired  ? 

A.  Many  graves  were  opened,  and  saints  arose  from 
the  dead. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  these  facts  recorded. 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxvii.  51,  52. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  these  bodies  did  not  rise 

until  after  the  resurrection  of  Christ  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  was  one  of  the  first  things  that  Christ  did 

on  meeting  the  Apostles  after  his  resurrection  ? 
A.  He  sent  them  into  the  world  to  preach  in  his 
name. 

2.  Q.  What  should  this  teach  us? 

A.  The  necessity  and  sacredness  of  the  office  of 
the  holy  ministry. 

3.  'Q.  What  were  the  words  of  his  commission  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  those  who  should  be 

called  to  the  work  of  the  Christian  Priest- 
hood ? 

A.  Heb.  V.  4. 

10* 


116 


EASTER  DAY. 


1.  Q.  Of  what  truth  does  the  resurrection  of  Christ 

assure  us? 

A.  That  our  bodies  shall  also  rise  again. 

2.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  illustrate  the  resurrection  of 

our  bodies  ? 

A.  By  the  growth  of  the  flower  from  the  seed, 
changed  and  beautifled  in  form,  but  the  same 
in  kind. 

3.  Q.  How  does  he  further  speak  of  this  change  in 

our  bodies? 

A.  Phil.  hi.  21. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  our  resurrection  ? 
A.  St.  John  V.  28,  29. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  say  in  the  Collect  that  Christ  has 

done  for  us  ? 

A.  That  he  has  overcome  death. 

2.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  accomplish  this  result? 

A.  By  receiving  death,  the  penalty  of  sin  him- 
self, and  thus  destroying  the  power  of 
death. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  is  the  sting  of  death? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  56. 

4.  Q.  What  comfortable  assurance  does  the  Apostle 

give  to  those  who  have  gained  the  victory 
tiirough  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  58. 

1.  Q.  How  was  Christ  the  victor  over  death  and  the 
grave  ? 

A.  By  rising  by  liis  own  power  after  he  had  sub- 
mitted voluntarily  to  death. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  117 


2.  Q.  How  has  this  opened  to  us  the  gate  of  everlast- 

ing life  ? 

A.  Because  God  has  accepted  the  sacrifice  of  Christ, 
which  was  made  that  we  might  live. 

3.  Q.  If  we  are  risen  with  Christ  what  are  we  expected 

to  do? 

A.  Col.  iii.  1. 

4.  Q.  Can  we  do  this  of  our  own  strength  ? 

A.  Bom.  viii.  26. 

“ Oh ! day  of  days  ! shall  hearts  set  free 
No  ‘ minstrel  rapture  ’ find  for  Thee  ? 

Thou  art  the  Sun  of  other  days, 

They  shine  by  giving  back  thy  rays : 

Enthroned  in  thy  sovereign  sphere 
Thou  shedd’st  thy  light  on  all  the  year : 

Sundays  by  Thee  more  glorious  break, 

An  Easter  Day  in  every  week : 

And  work-days,  following  in  their  train. 

The  fulness  of  thy  blessing  gain, 

Till  all,  both  resting  and  employ. 

Be  one  Lord’s  day  of  holy  joy.” 

Kehle. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

The  Collect, 

Almighty  Father,  who  hast  given  thine  only  Son 
to  die  for  our  sins,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justi- 
fication; Grant  us  so  to  put  away  the  leaven  of 
malice  and  wickedness,  that  we  may  ahvays  serve  thee 
in  pureness  of  living  and  truth ; through  the  merits 
of  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 


118  THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  John  v.  4.— Gospel.  St.  Jolm  xx.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  is  this  Sunday  sometimes  called  ? 

A.  Low  Sunday,  or  the  Sunday  of  Albs. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  it  called  by  these  names? 

A.  Low  Sunday  because  it  is  the  first  of  the  lower 
Easters,  which  we  keep  every  week,  Sunday 
of  Albs,  from  the  ancient  custom  of  the  bap- 
tized appearing  at  Church  in  the  Albs  or  white 
garments  given  to  them  at  their  baptism. 

3.  Q.  In  what  spiritual  sense  does  Isaiah  speak  of  the 

wearing  of  robes  ? 

A.  Isaiah  Ixi.  10. 

4.  Q.  What  did  the  white  robes  in  St.  John’s  vision 

signify? 

A.  Kev.  vii.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  is  said  in  the  Epistle  of  those  who  are 

born  of  God? 

A.  That  they  have  overcome  the  world  ? ' 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  overcoming  the  world  ? 

A.  Conquering  our  worldly  desires  and  afiections. 

3.  Q.  Where  do  we  find  this  truth  in  Scripture  ? 

A.  Kom.  viii.  37. 

4.  Q.  What  will  be  given  to  those  who  overcome  the 

world  ? 

A.  Kev.  ii.  7. 

1.  Q.  How  is  the  world  to  be  overcome? 

A.  Through  faith  in  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

2.  Q.  Is  faith  simply  belief  in  Christ  ? 

A.  No  ; it  is  belief  joined  with  a purpose  of  obey- 
ing Him. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  119 


3 . Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  describe  faith  ? 

A.  Heb.  xi.  1. 

4.  Q.  "What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  the  power  of  faith? 
A.  St.  Luke  xvii.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ 

gain  for  us  ? 

A.  Our  justification  before  God? 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  being  justified  before 

God? 

A.  That  we  are  reconciled  to  God  as  though  we  or 
our  fathers  had  never  offended  him*  by  sin. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Prophet  Isaiah  say  concerning 

our  justification  through  Christ? 

A.  Isaiah  xlv.  25. 

4.  Q.  What  is  said  to  the  Corinthians  of  the  fulness 

of  our  justification  by  Christ? 

A.  1 Cor.  vi.  11. 

1.  Q.  Where  were  you  first  justified  ? 

A.  In  the  waters  of  baptism  by  which  our  original 
sin  was  washed  away. 

2.  Q.  Does  baptism  justify  the  sinner  in  the  highest 

sense  ? 

A.  Ho ; we  must  repent  and  believe  and  continue 
faithful  to  the  end  of  our  lives,  or  else  we 
shall  not  be  partakers  of  this  justification. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  faith  and  baptism  are 

both  required  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  5. 

4.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  promise  to  those  who 

are  faithful  to  the  end  ? 


120  THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  13. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  acknowledge  in  the  Collect  that  we 

must  do  ? 

A.  We  must  put  away  the  leaven  of  malice  and 
wickedness. 

2.  Q.  What  is  leaven  ? 

A.  Literally  it  is  a piece  of  sour  dough. 

3.  Q.  Does  St.  Paul  speak  of  this  leaven  as  being  op- 

posite to  sincerity  and  truth  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  V.  8. 

4.  Q.  In  what  connection  does  our  Saviour  refer  to 

leaven  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  33 ; xvi.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  gospel  tell  us  that  Christ  said  to 

his  disciples  ? 

A.  “ As  my  Father  hath  sent  me  even  so  send  I 
you.” 

2.  Q.  Is  Christ  ever  called  in  the  Bible  an  Apostle,  or 

“one  sent?  ” 

A.  Yes  ; St.  Paul  calls  him  “ the  Apostle  and  High 
Priest  ” of  our  profession. 

3.  Q.  For  what  purpose  did  Christ  send  forth  his  min- 

isters ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  15. 

4.  Q.  Did  the  Apostles  have  power  to  send  others  as 

they  were  sent  ? ^ 

A.  2 Tim.  ii.  2. 

1 Q.  What  special  power  did  Christ  here  give  to  his 
Priests  ? 

A.  The  declaration  of  the  forgiveness  of  sins. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  121 


2.  Q.  Can  tlie  minister  forgive  sins  of  himself? 

A.  ISTo  ; he  does  it  by  “ the  power  and  command- 
ment ” which  he  received  from  Christ. 

8.  Q.  Eepeat  the  words  where  our  Saviour  gave  this 
“ power  and  commandment.” 

A.  St.  John  XX.  23. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  Church  teaches  that 
her  Priests  have  this  power  ? 

A.  Because  in  “the  ordering  of  Priests”  when  the 
Bishop  lays  his  hands  on  the  head  of  the 
candidate,  he  solemnly  and  in  the  name  of 
Christ,  repeats  the  Avords  of  our  Saviour. 


“ By  his  word  and  by  his  hour 
When  the  promise  came  with  power — 

By  his  Holy  Spirit’s  token, 

By  his  saintly  chain  unbroken, 

Lengthening,  while  his  world  lasts  on. 

From  his  cross  unto  his  throne — 

Guardians  of  his  Virgin  spouse  ! 

Know  that  His  might  is  yours,  wliose  breathing 
sealed  your  vows.” 

THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

TJie  Collect, 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  thine  only  Son  to 
be  unto  us  both  a sacrifice  for  sin,  and  also  an  en- 
sample  of  godly  life  ; Give  us  grace  that  we  may  al- 
ways most  thankfully  receive  that  his  inestimable 
benefit,  and  also  daily  endeavour  ourselves  to  follow 
the  blessed  steps  of  his  most  holy  life ; through  the 
same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  Pet.  ii.  l^.—  The  Gospel.  St.  John  x.  11. 

11 


122  THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

1.  Q.  How  was  Christ  a sacrifice  for  sia? 

A.  By  dying  on  the  cross  for  sin. 

2.  Q.  What  made  the  sacrifice  of  Christ  necessary  to 

our  salvation  ? 

A.  The  disobedience  of  man,  by  which  death  came 
into  the  world. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  as  by  Adam  we  inherited 

death,  so  in  Christ  we  shall  receive  life  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  21,  22. 

4.  Q.  Could  there  have  been  no  remission  of  sin  with- 

out the  death  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Heb.  ix.  22. 

1.  Q.  What  beside  a sacrifice  for  sin  does  the  Collect 

tell  us  our  Saviour  was  ? 

A.  An  example  of  godly  life. 

2.  Q.  In  what  way  was  He  an  example  ? 

A.  By  exhibiting  in  his  life  every  virtue  and 
grace. 

8.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  sinless  character 
of  Jesus? 

A.  Heb.  iv.  15. 

4.  Q.  Did  any  other  perfect  human  being  ever  live  be- 
sides Christ  ? 

A.  Ps.  xiv.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  must  we  do  to  receive  the  benefit  of  the 

sacrifice  of  Christ  ? 

A.  We  must  endeavour  to  follow  his  example. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  follow  so  perfect  a pattern  ? 

A.  By  the  assistance  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  though 
imperfectly  at  best. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  123 


8.  Q.  Are  we  promised  the  assistance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  ? 

A.  St.  John  xvi.  13. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  taught  to  build  ourselves  up  in  our 
most  holy  faith  ? 

A.  St.  Jude  20,  21. 

1.  Q.  What  does  our  Saviour  call  himself  in  the  gos- 

pel? 

A.  The  good  Shepherd. 

2.  Q.  In  what  way,  according  to  his  own  figure,  did 

he  show  that  he  was  a good  Shepherd  ? 

A.  By  giving  up  his  life  for  his  sheep. 

3.  Q.  Had  any  of  the  Prophets  spoken  of  the  Messiah 

as  a Shepherd  ? 

A.  Isaiah  xl.  11. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  Christ  recognized  as  the  Shepherd 

above  all  others  ? 

A.  Heb.  xiii.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  called  in  the  “Jubilate?’’ 

A.  “The  sheep  of  his  pasture.” 

2.  Q.  In  what  part  of  the  Church  service  do  we  com- 

pare ourselves  to  sheep  ? 

A.  In  the  confession,  where  we  acknowledge  that 
“ we  have  strayed  from  his  ways  like  lost 
sheep.” 

3.  Q.  What  are  the  Bishops  and  Pastors  of  Christ’s 

flock  instructed  to  do  ? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  V.  2. 

i,  Q.  Are  we  to  follow  Christ  as  sheep  follow  their 
Shepherd  ? 


124  the  SECOJt^D  SUIS^DAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

A.  St.  John  xii.  26. 

1.  Q.  Who  were  peculiarly  Christ’s  sheep  at  the  time 

that  he  said  these  words  ? 

A.  The  Jews. 

2.  Q.  Whom  did  he  mean  by  the  “ other  sheep  ? ” 

A.  The  Gentiles,  or  all  born  out  of  the  Jewish  na- 
tion. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  He  referred  to  the  Gen- 

tiles ? 

A.  Eph.  iii.  5,  6. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  it  intimated  in  the  Old  Testament 

that  Gentiles  should  be  included  in  his  fold  ? 
A.  Isaiah  xlix.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  mean  the  sheepfold  to  repre- 

sent ? 

A.  His  visible  Church  on  earth. 

2.  Q.  What  do  we  call  it  in  the  creed  ? 

A.  The  one  Catholic  and  Apostolic  Church.” 

8.  Q.  By  what  sacrament  are  persons  admitted  into 
his  Church  ? 

A.  By  the  holy  Sacrament  of  Baptism,  by  which 
“ they  are  regenerate  and  grafted  into  the 
body  of  Christ’s  Church.” 

4.  Q.  What  did  Christ  pray  might  be  accomplished 
among  all  persons  calling  themselves  Chris- 
tians? 

A.  St.  John  xvii.  21. 

1.  Q.  What  other  Sacrament  did  our  Saviour  institute 
just  before  his  death  ? 

A.  The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper. 


THE  TIHBD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  125 


2.  Q.  How  often  did  the  early  Christians  celebrate 

the  Holy  Eucharist? 

A.  Very  frequently  daily  and  always  weekly. 

3.  Q.  What  (lid  St.  Paul  say  that  we  should  do  this  for  ? 
A.  1 Cor.  xi.  26. 

4.  Q.  Where  does  Jesus  affirm  that  this  Sacrament  is 

necessary  to  everlasting  life  ? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  53. 

“ The  Lord  is  our  Shepherd,  our  Guardian,  and  Guide  ; 
Whatever  we  want  he  will  kindly  provide, 

To  sheep  of  his  pasture  his  mercies  abound. 

His  care  and  protection  his  flock  will  surround.’^ 

Lit,  and  Hymns. 

THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

The  Collect, 

A LMIGHTY  God,  who  showest  to  them  that  are  in 
error  the  light  of  thy  truth,  to  the  intent  that 
they  may  return  into  the  way  of  righteousness ; grant 
unto  all  those  who  are  admitted  into  the  fellowship 
of  Oheist’s  religion,  that  they  may  avoid  those  things 
that  are  contrary  to  their  profession,  and  follow  all 
such  things  as  are  agreeable  to  the  same,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1.  St.  Peter  ii.  11. — The  Gospel.  St.  John  xvi.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  acknowledge  in  the  collect  for  this 

day? 

A.  That  God  will  show  us  His  truth. 

2.  Q.  What  is  “ the  light  of  His  truth  ” ? 

A.  Those  doctrines  which  he  gave  us  for  our  salva- 
tion. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  was  the  true  light? 

11* 


126  THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 


A.  St.  John  i.  9. 

4.  Q.  Did  Christ  promise  that  we  should  be  able  to 
know  what  his  truth  was  ? 

A.  St.  John  viii.  32. 

1.  Q.  How  can  we  learn  the  truth  of  Christ? 

A.  By  reading  and  meditating  on  His  word,  the 
Holy  Bible. 

2.  Q.  How  do  we  know  what  are  the  truths  of  the 

Bible? 

A.  By  listening  to  the  voice  of  the  Church,  which 
is  called  in  Scripture  “ the  pillar  and  ground 
of  the  truth.” 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  Bible  contains  all 

the  truths  necessary  to  our  salvation  ? 

A.  2 Tim.  iii.  16. 

4.  Q.  From  what  do  we  infer,  that  we  should  be 

guided  in  our  Bible  reading  by  the  voice  of 
the  Church  ? 

A.  2 St.  Pet.  i.  20. 

1.  Q.  Who  are  those  that  are  in  error  ” ? 

A.  All  who  are  not  truly  Christians. 

2.  Q.  May  those  who  believe  all  the  Christian  doc- 

trines, be  nevertheless  in  error  ? 

A.  Yes,  unless  they  not  only  believe  but  live  ac- 
cording to  those  doctrines. 

3.  Q,  How  much  disobedience  constitutes  absolute 

guilt  ? 

A,  St.  James  ii.  10. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  is  necessary  besides 

faith  ? 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  127 


A.  St.  James  ii.  26. 

1.  Q.  What  therefore  are  we  called  upon  to  do  in  the 

Epistle? 

A.  To  “ abstain  from  fleshly  lusts.” 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  fleshly  lusts? 

A.  All  those  evil  desires  which  war  against  the  soul. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  tell  the  Galatians  about  the 

contention  of  the  flesh  and  the  spirit  ? 

A.  Gal.  V.  17. 

4.  Q.  What  therefore  does  he  tell  St.  Timothy  to  do  ? 
A.  1 St.  Tim.  vi.  11. 

1.  Q.  What  does  Jesus  tell  his  disciples  in  the  gospel? 
A.  That  in  a little  while  they  should  not  see  him. 

2.  Q.  Did  the/ understand  what  he  meant? 

A.  No,  for  they  said,  “we  cannot  tell  what  he 
saith.” 

3.  Q.  When  did  Jesus  in  reality  go  to  the  Father? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  19. 

4.  Q.  For  what  purpose  will  our  Saviour  return  again? 
A.  St.  John  xiv.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  should  follow  his  leaving 

them  ? 

A.  They  should  weep  and  lament. 

2.  Q.  Why  should  they  be  thus  sorrowful  ? 

A.  Because  they  did  not  fully  understand  how  and 
why  he  should  be  taken  from  them. 

3.  Q.  How  at  his  death  did  the  disciples  show  their 

sorrow  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  27. 

4.  Q.  When  was  their  sorrow  turned  into  joy  ? 


128  THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 


A.  St.  John  XX.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  should  afterwards  be  a cause  of  joy? 

A.  That  they  should  see  him  again. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  participate  in  that  joy  of  the  dis- 

ciples ? 

A.  By  beholding  Christ  with  the  eye  of  faith. 

3.  Q.  When  did  the  blessed  Redeemer  promise  to 

reveal  himself  to  us? 

A.  Rev.  iii.  20. 

4.  Q.  What  presence  of  Christ  shall  be  our  greatest  joy  ? 
A.  Phil.  i.  23. 

1.  Q.  How  long  was  this  joy  to  remain  ? 

A.  “ Your  joy  no  man  taketh  from  you.’’ 

2.  Q.  When  shall  we  realize  this  joy  to  the  fullest? 

A.  In  heaven,  where  we  shall  ever  remain  in  his 

presence. 

3.  Q.  May  we  experience  this  joy  even  without  seeing 

Christ  ? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  i.  8. 

4.  Q.  What  evidence  have  we  that  the  Apostles  fully 

understood  the  truth  of  the  resurrection  ? 

A.  Acts  iv.  10 ; v.  31. 

“ Lord,  come  to  us,  unloose  our  bands, 

And  bid  our  terrors  cease ; 

Lift  over  us  Thy  blessed  hands : 

Speak,  holy  Jesus,  Peace. 

And  hear  Thy  saints,  who  to  Thee  pray 
To  bring  them  to  their  home ; 

Hear,  when  the  Bride  and  Spirit  say, 

‘ Come,  blessed  Jesus,  come ! ’ 


Huntington, 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  129 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

The  Collect, 

0 ALMIGHTY  God,  who  alone  canst  order  the  un- 
ruly wills  and  affections  of  sinful  men  ; Grant  unto 
thy  people,  tliat  they  may  love  the  thing  which  thou 
commandest,  and  desire  that  which  thou  dost  prornise ; 
that  so,  among  the  sundry  and  manifold  changes  of  the 
world,  oiu-  hearts  may  surely  there  be  fixed,  where 
true  joys  are  to  he  found  \ through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  St.  James  i.  Vi.— The  Gospel.  St.  John  xvi.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  this  day? 

A.  That  we  cannot  do  right  of  ourselves. 

2.  Q.  Who  alone  can  give  us  the  strength  to  do  right? 

A.  God,  through  the  influence  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Epistle  tell  us  of  all  the  good 
gifts  which  we  receive  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  i.  IT. 

4.  Q.  What  did  St.  Paul  find  resisting  his  inclinations 
to  do  good? 

A.  Rom.  vii.  21. 

1.  Q.  What  is  it  that  prevents  us  from  doing  good  ? 

A.  Our  “unruly  wills  and  affections.” 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  “ unruly  wills  and  affections  ” ? 
A.  The  evil  thoughts  and  desires  which  are  born 
of  Satan. 

B.  Q.  What  does  Solomon  say  of  the  thoughts  of  the 
wicked  ? 

A.  Prov.  XV.  26. 


130  THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

4.  Q.  What  does  David  pray  God  to  do? 

A.  Ps.  cxxxix.  23,  24. 

1.  Q.  Wliat  do  we  pray  for  in  the  Collect? 

A.  That  we  may  love  the  things  which  God  has 
commanded. 

2.  Q.  How  can  our  love  for  the  commandments  of 

God  be  shown  ? 

A.  By  cheerfully  obeying  all  his  laws. 

3.  Q.  What  great  laws  were  given  to  the  Jewish 

nation  ? 

A.  The  decalogue,  or  ten  commandments,  which 
were  received  by  Moses  from  God  on  Mount 
Sinai. 

4.  Q.  On  what  two  commandments  did  our  Saviour 

say  “ hung  all  the  law  and  the  Prophets  ” ? 
A.  St.  Matt.  xxii.  37-40. 

1.  Q.  Why  do  we  pray  that  we  may  keep  God’s  com- 

mands ? 

A.  That  w^e  may  receive  joy  from  God,. 

2.  Q.  Where  are  these  true  joys  to  be  found? 

A.  In  lioly  living  in  this  world,  and  in  the  presence 
of  the  Triune  God  in  heaven. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  we  told  to  set  our  affections? 

A.  Col.  iii.  2. 

4.  Q.  What  is  said  of  the  joy  in  the  presence  of  God? 
A.  Ps.  xvi.  11. 

1.  Q.  In  order  to  learn  this  obedience  to  God’s  com- 

mandments what  ought  we  be  ready  to  do? 
A.  We  should  be  willing  to  learn. 

2.  Q.  How  does  the  Epistle  tell  us  w^e  should  act? 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  131 

A.  “ Be  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to  wrath,” 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  exhort  us  to  do  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  i.  21. 

4.  Q.  AVhat  does  St.  Paul  say  is  necessary  to  the  suc- 

cess of  our  Christian  race  ? 

A.  Ileb.  xii.  1. 

1.  Q.  When  Christ  should  ascend  to  heaven  who  was 

to  remind  them  of  their  duty  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter. 

2.  Q.  What  would  the  Comforter  do? 

A.  He  wt)uld  “ guide  them  into  all  truth.” 

3.  Q.  Where  are  we  assured  tliat  the  Holy  Ghost  was 

sent  to  the  disciples  ? 

A.  Acts  xiii.  52. 

4.  Q.  How  d-id.  Christ  show  that  the  Holy  Spirit  would 

guide  his  Church  in  his  stead  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  else  would  the  Comforter  do? 

A.  He  would  “ reprove  the  world  of  sin.” 

2.  Q.  In  what  way  had  the  world  especially  sinned? 
A.  By  denying  the  Lord  that  bought  them. 

3.  Q.  How  universal  was  the  wickedness  of  the  world? 
A.  1 St.  John  V.  19. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  result  of  the  denial  of  Christ  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  part  did  the  Holy  Spirit  take  in  writing 

the  Bible  ? 

A.  He  put  the  truth  into  the  minds  of  the  writers. 

2.  Q.  When  Christ  sent  forth  his  disciples  what  did  he 

tell  them  of  the  truth  which  they  should  speak  ? 


132  THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

A.  “It  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but  the  spirit  of  your 
father  which  speaketh  in  you.” 

3.  Q,  What  did  St.  Paul  acknowledge  to  the  Corin- 

thians? 

A.  1 Cor.  ii.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  did  St.  Peter  say  of  the  writing  of  the  Old 

Testament  ? 

A,  2 St.  Pet.  i.  21. 

“ Soft  as  the  plumes  of  Jesus’  Dove 
They  nurse  the  soul  to  heavenly  love ; 

The  struggling  spark  of  good  within,  ' 

Just  smothered  in  the  strife  of  sin, 

They  quicken  to  a timely  glow, 

The  pure  flame  spreading  high  and  low. 

Said  I,  that  prayer  and  hope  were  o’er  ? 

Nay,  blessed  Spirit ! but  by  Thee 
The  Church’s  prayer  finds  wings  to  soar, 

The  Church’s  hope  finds  eyes  to  see.” 

KehU. 

THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER. 

The  Collect, 

0LORD,  from  whom  all  good  things  do  come; 

grant  to  us  thy  humble  servants,  that  by  thy  holy 
inspiration  we  may  think  those  things  that  are  good, 
and  by  thy  merciful  guiding  may  perform  the  same, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  St.  James  i.  22. — The  Gospel.  St.  John  xvi.  23. 

1.  Q.  What  is  this  Sunday  called  ? 

A.  Rogation  Sunday. 

2.  Q.  Why  was  it  called  by  this  name  ? 

A.  Rogation  and  Litany  being  words  of  the  same 
meaning,  it  was  used  to  denote  the  earnest 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  183 


prajer  which  this  Sunday  teaches  us  is  nec- 
essary. 

3.  Q.  What  great  season  does  this  Sunday  and  the 

next  three  days  end? 

A.  The  joyful  season  of  Easter? 

4.  Q.  To  what  high  festival  do  we  look  forward? 

A.  The  festival  of  the  Ascension,  when  Christ  was 
to  leave  the  earth  and  go  to  the  Father. 

1.  Q.  In  what  are  we  instructed  in  the  gospel? 

A.  Of  the  duty  of  prayer. 

2.  Q.  What  is  prayer  to  God  ? 

A.  The  earnest  asking  for  the  blessings  of  God. 

8.  Q.  Where  are  we  taught  our  obligations  to  pray  ? 
A.  Philip,  iv.  6. 

4.  Q.  How  often  did  King  David  pray  ? 

A.  Ps.  Iv.  17. 

1.  Q.  In  whose  name  are  we  taught  to  pray? 

A.  In  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ. 

2.  Q.  In  what  prayers  alone  does  the  Church  not  pray 

in  his  name  ? 

A.  In  those  prayers  addressed  to  himself  or  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

3.  Q.  In  what  words  had  the  disciples  been  instructed 

to  pray  before  this  time  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  9-13. 

4.  Q.  How  did  holy  men  pray  before  our  Saviour’s 

time  ? 

A.  Jer.  xiv.  7. 

L Q.  How  much  will  we  receive  if  we  pray  in  the 
name  of  Christ  ? 

12 


134  THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER, 

A.  Every  thing  that  we  ask. 

2.  Q.  WLy  then  do  good  men  sometimes  pray  in  vain? 

A.  Because  they  do  not  pray  in  faith. 

3.  Q.  "What  did  our  Saviour  say  should  be  the  meas- 

ure of  the  answer  to  prayer  ? 

A.  St.  John  xvi.  23. 

4.  Q.  What  reason  does  St.  James  give  for  our  not 

receiving  those  things  which  we  ask  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  iv.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  is  necessary  to  a favorable  reception  of 

our  prayers  ? 

A.  That  we  should  be  humble  and  in  earnest. 

2.  Q.  What  illustration  did  our  Saviour  give  of  the  i 

difference  of  the  spirit  in  which  prayer  was  ‘ 
offered  ? ^ 

A.  The  pharisee,  who  prayed  with  pride  in  his  , 
heart,  and  the  publican,  who  smote  his  breast 
crying  “ God  be  merciful  to  me  a sinner.’^ 

3.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  the  prayer  of  the 

publican  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xviii.  14. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  that  God  would  not  hear  ? 

A.  St.  John  ix.  31. 

1.  Q.  What  effect  has  prayer  upon  us? 

A.  It  makes  us  more  willing  to  obey  God. 

2.  Q.  What  does  it  assist  us  to  bear  ? 

A.  All  that  God  may  put  upon  us  whether  of  joy 
or  sorrow. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  confess  of  the  sufficiency  of 

grace  ? 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  EASTER.  135 


A.  2 Cor.  xii.  9. 

4.  Q.  What  words  of  our  Saviour  declare  the  neces- 
sity of  private  as  well  as  public  prayer  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  especially  pray  for  in  the  Collect 

to-day  ? 

A.  That  “ we  may  think  those  things  that  are 
good.” 

2.  Q.  Where  in  the  Church  service  do  we  prny  that 

God  may  cleanse  our  thoughts  ? 

A.  In  the  prayer  at  the  beginning  of  the  Commu- 
nion service. 

3.  Q.  Can  we  sin  by  thought  as  well  as  by  deed  ? 

A.  Prov.  xxiv.  9. 

4.  Q.  What  is  one  of  the  first  things  that  the  Prophet 

calls  upon  the  wicked  to  do? 

A.  Isaiah  Iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  What  is  necessary  for  us,  besides  thinking  those 

things  that  are  right  ? 

A.  We  must  also  do  all  that  our  good  thoughts  sug- 
gest. 

2.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  of  those  who  hear  but 

do  not  do  ? 

A.  That  they  deceive  themselves  if  they  think  they 
have  done  all  that  they  should. 

3.  Q.  How  does  St.  James  say  that  faith  is  made  per- 

fect ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  ii.  22. 

4.  Q.  What  is  pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God? 
A,  St.  Jas.  i.  27. 


130 


THE  ASCENSION-DAY. 


“ Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray  aright, 

With  reverence  and  with  fear ; 

Though  dust  and  ashes  in  Thy  sight, 

We  may,  we  must  draw  near: 

We  perish  if  we  cease  from  prayer, 

0 grant  us  power  to  pray ; 

And,  when  to  meet  Thee  we  prepare, 

Lord,  meet  us  by  the  way.” 

Montgomery, 


THE  ASCENSION-DAY. 
The  Collect. 


Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  like 
as  we  do  believe  thy  only  begotten  Son  our  Lord 
Jesus  Cheist  to  have  ascended  into  the  heavens ; so 
we  may  also  in  heart  and  mind  thither  ascend,  and 
with  him  continually  dwell,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.  Amen. 

The  Epistle,  Acts  i.  l.—  The  Gospel,  St.  Mark  xvi.  14. 

1.  Q.  On  what  day  in  the  week  did  our  Saviour  ascend 
into  heaven? 

A.  On  Thursday. 

2.  Q.  How  many  days  was  the  ascension  after  Easter  ? 
A.  Forty  days. 

3.  Q.  What  office  does  Christ  exercise  for  us  in  heaven  ? 
A.  Heb.  vii.  25. 

4.  Q.  What  prophecy  looks  forward  to  the  ascension 
of  Christ  ? 

A.  Ps.  Ixviii.  18. 

1.  Q.  From  what  place  did  Jesus  ascend? 

A.  From  the  Mount  of  Olives. 

2.  Q.  Did  his  body  ascend,  or  only  his  Spirit  ? 


THE  ASCENSION-DAY. 


137 


A.  The  same  body  ascended,  which  he  took  at  first 
and  was  crucified  for  us  on  Calvary. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  prove  this  fact? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiv.  51. 

4.  Q.  AVhat  evidence  did  the  two  angels  give  of  his 

ascension  ? 

A.  Acts  i.  11. 

1.  Q.  Did  any  man  ascend  to  the  heavens  before 

Christ  ? 

A.  Hot  in  the  same  sense. 

2.  Q.  What  were  the  names  of  those  who  were  trans- 

lated or  carried  up  bodily  without  death  ? 

A.  Enoch,  Elijah,  and  some  think  Moses  also. 

8.  Q.  What  was  the  peculiarity  of  the  ascension  of 
Christ? 

A.  Eph.  iv.  8. 

4.  Q.  What  act  was  our  Saviour  performing  at  the 
time  of  His  ascension  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiv.  50. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  Collect  ? 

A.  That  we  may  ascend  with  Christ,  in  our  hearts. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  mean  ? 

A.  That  our  hearts  may  be  fit  to  ascend  with  Him. 

3.  Q.  What  will  assist  us  in  our  preparation  to  meet 

Him  in  the  heavens? 

A.  Col.  iii.  2,  4. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  if  we  are  faithful,  we 

shall  ascend  and  be  with  Christ  ? 

A.  1 Thes.  iv.  17. 

12* 


138 


TUE  ASCENSION-DAY, 


1.  Q.  How  can  we  ascend  to  heaven  in  mind  and 

heart  ? 

A.  By  thinking  of  heavenly  things  and  fitting  our- 
selves for  heaven. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  do  this,  while  we  are  yet  on  earth? 
A.  By  separating  ourselves  from  worldly  things  and 

living  as  if  we  were  really  in  the  presence 
of  Christ. 

8.  Q.  Where  is  the  conversation  of  the  faithful  said 
to  he  ? 

A.  Phil.  hi.  20. 

4.  Q.  Does  not  St.  Paul  seem  to  intimate  that  it  is 
possible  for  us  by  God’s  grace  to  become 
almost  sinless  ? 

A.  Bom.  vi.  2. 

1.  Q.  Will  our  Lord  ever  return  to  earth  again? 

A.  Yes;  to  judge  the  world. 

2.  Q.  Do  we  know  the  exact  time  when  He  will  make 

His  appearance  ? 

A.  Ho,  for  He  nowhere  informs  us  of  the  time  of 
his  coming  again. 

8.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  on  this  subject  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  36. 

4.  Q.  What  does  He  therefore  tell  us  is  our  duty? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  44. 

1.  Q.  Where  is  our  Saviour  at  this  time  ? 

A.  Sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 

2.  Q.  What  does  he  do  for  us  in  heaven  ? 

A.  He  ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us. 


THE  ASCENSION-DAY. 


139 


3.  Q.  Where  are  we  told  of  the  work  of  Christ  for  us 

at  the  throne  of  the  Father? 

A.  Eom.  viii.  34. 

4.  Q.  How  does  the  intercession  of  Christ  make  the 

salvation  of  the  faithful  infallibly  certain  ? 

A.  Heb.  vii.  25. 

1.  Q.  When  Christ  comes  ^gain  how  will  He  appear  ? 
A.  In  the  clouds  with  great  glory. 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  day  of  His  coming  called? 

A.  The  judgment;  when  He  will  decide  between 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked. 

3.  Q.  Where  in  the  Hew  Testament,  is  the  Second 

Coining  of  Christ  described  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  30. 

4.  Q.  What  did  St.  John  in  his  vision,  see  of  the  glory 

of  that  day  ? 

A.  Kev.  i.  7. 


“ Crown  the  Saviour,  angels  crown  Him ; 

Rich  the  trophies,  Jesus  brings  ; 

On  the  Seat  of  power  enthrone  Him, 

While  the  heavenly  concert  rings : 

Crown  Him; 

Crown  the  Saviour  King  of  Kings.” 

Kelley, 

“ 0 Thou,  who  thus  exalted  art. 

On  whom  our  souls  rely, 

Grant  to  us  now,  in  mind  and  heart, 

To  dwell  with  Thee  on  high  ! 

And  when  at  length,  redeem’d  by  Thee, 

The  just  that  sleep  shall  rise ; 

With  theirs  our  happy  portion  be, 

A home  beyond  the  skies.” 


140 


SUNDAY  AFTER  ASCENSION-DAY. 


SUNDAY  AFTER  ASCENSION-DAY. 

The  Collect, 

0GOD,  the  King  of  glory,  who  hast  exnlted  thine 
only  Son  Jesus  Christ  with  great  triumph  unto  thy 
kingdom  in  heaven ; We  beseech  thee,  leave  us  not 
comfortless ; but  send  to  uS  thine  Holy  Ghost  to  com- 
fort us,  and  exalt  us  unto  the  same  place  whither  our 
Saviour  Christ  is  gone  before,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  Pet.  iv.  *l.—The  Gospel.  St.  John  xv.  26. 
and  pari  of  chap.  xvi. 

1.  Q.  What  is  this  Sunday  called? 

A.  Expectation  Sunday. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  it  called  by  this  name  ? 

A.  Because  the  Apostles  were  expecting  the  fulfill- 
ment of  the  promise  “ If  I go  away  I will  send 
the  Comforter  to  you.” 

8.  Q.  Where  had  the  promise  of  the  Comforter  been 
given  to  them  ? 

A.  St.  John  xvi.  Y. 

4.  Q,  Where  is  the  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost  proph- 
esied in  the  Old  Testament  ? 

A.  Joel  ii.  28,  29. 

1.  Q.  With  what  feelings  did  the  disciples  behold  their 
Lord  ascend  ? 

A.  With  feelings  of  great  joy. 

2.  Q.  Why  did  they  not  manifest  sorrow  as  at  the 
time  of  his  death  ? 

A.  Because  Christ  had  instructed  them  that  Ho 


SUNDAY  AFTER  ASCENSION-DAY. 


141 


would  always  be  present  with  them  in  the 
person  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

3.  Q.  What  promise  did  they  now  perceive  referred  to 

the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  20. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  the  Holy  Ghost  spoken  of  as  being 

coeternal  with  the  Father  and  the  Son? 

A.  Heb.  ix.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  praying  that  you  may  not 

be  left  comfortless  ? 

A.  That  the  Comforter  may  come  to  us  as  he  did  to 
the  Apostles. 

2.  Q.  Who  do  you  mean  by  the  Comforter  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost,  the  third  person  in  the  adora- 
ble Trinity. 

3.  Q.  You  say  the  third  person ; is  the  Holy  Ghost, 

equal  with  the  Father  and  Son  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  V.  7. 

4.  Q.  What  benediction  shows  the  equality  of  the 

three  persons  in  the  Godhead  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  xiii.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  virtue  is  especially  recommended  at  this 

time  ? 

A.  Charity  or  love  for  each  other. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  this  brought  to  our  notice  at  this  time  ? 
A.  Because  the  Holy  Spirit  which  is  love,  could  not 

operate  upon  an  unloving  heart. 

3.  Q.  What  is  said  to  be  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit  ? 

A.  Gal.  V.  22,  23. 


142 


SUNDAY  AFTER  ASCENSION-DAY. 


4.  Q.  Is  charity  among  ourselves  obligatory  as  well  as 
our  love  to  God  ? 

A.  1 John  iv.  21. 

1.  Q.  Of  what  duty  are  we  here  reminded  ? 

A.  To  work  for  Christ  as  w^e  are  able. 

2.  Q.  "What  is  required  of  each  one  of  us? 

A.  To  minister  according  to  the  gifts  which  wo 
have  received. 

3.  Q.  What  kind  of  gifts  has  God  given  to  men  in  his 

Church  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  xii.  28. 

4.  Q.  How  does  the  Epistle  say  that  we  should  w^ork? 
A.  1 St.  Pet.  iv.  11. 

1.  Q.  When  the  Holy  Ghost  should  come,  what  would 

He  do? 

A.  He  would  testify  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  How  would  He  testify  of  Christ? 

A.  By  coming  in  a miraculous  manner  as  Christ 
had  said. 

8.  Q.  Was  this  promise  fulfilled  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  3,  4. 

4.  Q.  How  is  this  testimony  of  the  Holy  Gh'ost  con- 
veyed to  us  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  i.  12. 

1.  Q.  Who  else  were  to  hear  witness  to  the  truth  of 

Christ  ? 

A.  His  Apostles  and  their  successors. 

2.  Q.  How  were  they^to  hear  witness  of  him  ? 

A.  By  teaching  the  truth  which  they  had  received 
from  him. 


WHITSUNDAY.  ^ 


143 


3.  Q.  Ju  what  words  did  our  Lord  give  them  the  au- 

thority to  preach  in  his  name  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  15. 

4.  Q.  Did  the  Apostles  go  forth  under  this  commis- 

sion ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  20. 

1.  Q.  How  did  they  testify  of  Jesus  besides  teaching 

his  truth  ? 

A.  By  suffering  and  dying  for  the  truth. 

2.  Q.  Who  was  the  first  Christian  martyr  ? 

A.  St.  Stephen,  who  was  a Deacon. 

3.  Q.  Who  was  the  first  among  the  Apostles  to  suffer 

death  for  the  truth’s  sake? 

A.  Acts  xii.  2. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  commanded  to  suffer  martyrdom  rather 

than  to  deny  Christ  and  his  truth  ? 

A.  Phil.  i.  29. 


“ Thou  art  gone  up  on  high 
To  mansions  in  the  skies, 

And  round  Thy  throne  unceasingly 
The  songs  of  praise  arise. 

But  we  are  lingering  here, 

With  sin  and  care  oppressed ; 

Lord  1 send  Thy  promised  Comforter, 
And  lead  us  to  Thy  rest.” 


WHITSUNDAY. 

The  Collect, 

0GOD,  "who  as  at  this  time  dfdst  teach  the  hearts  of 
thy  faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the  light 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit;  Grant  us  by  the  same  Spirit  to 


144 


WHITSUNDAY. 


have  a right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore  to 
rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort;  through  the  merits  of 
Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.  Amen, 

For  the  Epistle.  Acts  ii.  l.—  The  Gospel  St.  John  xiv.  15. 

1.  Q.  By  what  name  is  this  Sunday  known  among 

Christians  ? 

A.  By  the  name  of  Whitsunday. 

2.  Q.  With  what  great  feast  of  the  Jews  did  Whit- 

sunday correspond  ? 

A.  With  the  feast  of  the  Pentecost,  which  was  cel- 
ebrated fifty  days  after  the  Passover. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  these  two  festivals  came 

at  the  same  time  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  1. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  the  time  set  for  the  celebration  of  the 

feast  of  the  Pentecost  ? 

A.  Levit.  xxiii.  15,  16. 

1.  Q.  What  event  does  the  Christian  celebrate  this  day  ? 
A.  The  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

2.  Q.  What  event  did  the  Jews  celebrate  on  the  day 

of  Pentecost  ? 

A.  The  giving  of  the  law  by  Moses  on  Mount  Sinai. 
8.  Q.  Where  had  the  promise  of  the  Holy  Ghost  been 
given  ? 

A.  Acts  i.  8. 

4.  Q.  How  did  the  Jews  keep  the  feast  of  weeks  oi 
Pentecost  ? 

A.  Deut.  xvi.  10. 


WHITSUNDAY. 


145 


1.  Q.  Why  has  this  Sunday  been  called  Whitsunday? 
A.  Because  on  this  day,  those  in  the  early  Church 

who  had  been  baptized  appeared  in  white. 

2.  Q.  What  other  reference  has  it? 

A.  To  the  light  of  heaven  which  on  this  day  de- 
scended upon  the  Church. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  white  garments  recognized  as  em- 

blems of  immaculate  purity? 

A.  Bev.  xix.  8. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  white  made  the  emblem  of  Spiritual 

cleanness? 

A.  Isaiah  i.  18. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  Holy  Ghost  manifest  himself  on 

the  first  Whitsunday  ? 

A.  By  a bright  tongue  of  fire,  which  settled  upon 
the  heads  of  the  Apostles. 

2.  Q.  What  peculiar  power  was  given  to  the  Apostles 

at  this  time  ? 

A.  To  work  miracles,  and  to  preach  in  languages 
wdiich  they  had  never  learned. 

3.  Q.  Does  this  power  still  continue  with  the  gift  of 

the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

A.  Ho ; for  as  the  Church  of  Christ  is  fully  estab- 
lished there  is  no  necessity  of  miracles  to 
further  testify  of  its  truth. 

4.  Q.  How  does  the  Holy  Spirit  come  to  us  now  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  iv.  6. 

1.  Q.  Had  not  the  Holy  Ghost  been  felt  in  the  hearts 
of  men  before  this  time  ? 

A»  Yes ; but  not  with  the  power  now  given. 

13 


146 


WHITSUNDAY. 


.2.  Q.  Had  our  Saviour  promised  especial  power  at  the 
coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost? 

A.  Yes ; He  had  said  that  they  should  work  mira- 
cles and  speak  with  tongues. 

3.  'Q.  Was  this  gift  confined  to  the  Apostles? 

A.  Acts  X.  45. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  power  continued 

some  time  in  the  Church  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  xii.  10. 

1.  '^Q.  What  is  the  descent  of  the  Holy  Ghost  called? 
A.  The  baptism  with  fire. 

:2.  Q.  When  St.  John  the  Baptist,  baptized  with  water 
what  did  he  promise  ? 

A.  That  Christ  should  baptize  with  the  Holy  Ghost 
and  with  fire. 

3.  Q.  What  does  fire  represent  in  the  vision  of  St. 
John-? 

A.  Eev.  iv.  5. 

-4.  *Q.  What  eflfect  did  the  Prophet  Malachi  say  it 
would  have  upon  the  soul  ? 

A.  Mai.  iii.  3. 

1.  Q.  By  what  Sacrament  is  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  received  ? 

A.  By  the  holy  Sacrament  of  baptism. 

:2.  Q.  How  is  baptism  sealed  or  ratified? 

A.  By  the  Apostolic  rite  of  Confirmation. 

3.  Q.  Where  do  you  find  a proof  that  the  Holy  Ghost 

was  given  in  Confirmation  ? 

A.  Acts  xix.  5,  6. 

4.  Q.  Among  what  fundamental  doctrines  does  St^, 


TKINITY-SUNDAY. 


147 


Paul  place  Confinnation  or  ‘‘  the  laying  on  of 
hands  ? ” 

A.  Heb.  vi.  1,  2. 

1.  Q.  Who  can  obtain  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit  m v? 
A.  Any  one  who  will  ask  for  it. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  asking  include? 

A.  That  we  should  have  faith  and  be  baptized. 

3.  Q.  What  did  St.  Peter  tell  the  people  to  do  in  order 

to  be  saved  on  the  day  of  Pentecost 
A.  Acts  ii.  38. 

4.  Q.  What  is  our  body  called  which  should  make  U3 

careful  to  preserve  it  holy  unto  God  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  vi.  19. 


“ Holy  Spirit,  Lord  of  light, 

Prom  Thy  clear  celestial  height, 

. Thy  pure  beaming  radiance  give  ; 

Come,  thou  Father  of  the  poor, 

Come  with  treasures  which  endure, 

Come,  Thou  Light  of  all  that  live ! 

Thou  on  those  who  evermore 
Thee  confess  and  Thee  adore, 

• In  Thy  sevenfold  gift  descend ; 

Give  them  comfort  when  they  die. 

Give  them  life  with  Thee  on  high. 

Give  them  joys  which  never  end.” 

TRINITY-SUNDAY 

The  Collect, 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  given 
unto  ns  thy  servants  grace,  by  the  confession  of 
a true  faith,  to  acknowledge  the  glory  of  the  eternal 
Teinity,  and  in  the  power  of  the  divine  Majesty  to 


148 


TEINITY-SUNDAY. 


worship  the  Unity ; we  beseech  thee  that  thou 
woiildest  keep  us  steadfast  in  this  faith,  and  evermore 
defend  us  from  all  adversities,  who  livest  and  reignest, 
one  God,  world  without  end.  Amen. 

For  the  Epistle.  Rev.  iv.  1. — The  Gospel,  St.  John  iii.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  this  day  ? 

A.  The  doctrine  of  the  adorable  Trinity. 

2.  Q.  How  do  we  express  this  doctrine  ? 

A.  That  there  are  three  persons — The  Father,  The 
Son,  and  The  Holy  Ghost  in  One  Godhead. 

3.  Q.  Is  the  word  Trinity  used  in  the  Bible  ? 

A.  Ho ; it  is  a word  derived  from  the  Latin  and 
used  by  the  Church  to  designate  a doctrine 
which  is  found  in  Scripture. 

4.  Q.  Can  we  entirely  comprehend  this  doctrine  ? 

A.  Job.  xi.  7. 

1.  Q.  In  proving  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  from  the 

Bible,  what  do  we  first  find  ? 

A.  That  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  is  God. 

2.  Q.  What  is  said  of  our  Lord,  which  is  only  ap- 

plicable to  God  ? • 

A.  He  is  said  to  he  the  Creator,  Eternal,  Omni- 
present, Omniscient  and  Omnipotent. 

3.  Q.  Where  does  one  of  the  Apostles  address  Him  as 

God? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  28. 

4.  Q.  In  what  connection  does  David  speak  of  Christ 

as  God  ? 

A.  Ps.  xlv.  6. 

1.  Q.  By  what  name  is  Jesus  Christ  called  by  St.  John  * 


TRINITY-SUNDAY. 


149 


A.  He  is  called  “ The  Word  “ who  was  God.” 

2.  Q.  What  iKakes  this  title  peculiarly  applicable  to 

Him? 

A.  As  words  assist  us  in  understanding  each  other’s 
thoughts,  so  Christ  as  “The  Word,”  conveys 
to  us  God's  thoughts  and  affections  for  us. 

3.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  prove  that  we  have  received 

the  thoughts  of  God  through  Christ  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  ii.  16. 

4.  Q.  Does  St.  John  honour  The  Word  as  God  ? 

A.  St.  John  i.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  second  step  in  proof  of  the  doctrine 

of  the  Trinity  ? 

A.  That  the  Holy  Ghost  is  called  God  in  the  Bible. 

2.  Q.  How  is  the  Holy  Ghost  spoken  of  in  the  Scrip- 

tures ? 

A.  As  being  equal  with  the  Father  and  the  Son  ini 
all  their  attributes. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  Holy  Ghost  directly  called  JehovaL 

or  God? 

A.  Acts  V.  8,  4. 

4.  Q.  In  what,  sacrament  is  this  name  joined  with. 

those  of  the  Father  and  the  Son? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 

1.  Q.  How  many  Gods  does  the  Bible  say  there  are? 

A.  There  is  but  one  God. 

2.  Q.  Does  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  teach  that  there 

are  more  Gods  than  one  ? 

A.  Ho  : it  says  there  is  one  God  in  Three  Persons. 


13* 


150 


TKINITY-SUNDAY. 


8.  Q.  Where  do  you  find  a proof  that  there  is  but  one 
God? 

A.  Isai.  xxxvii.  16 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  very  first  law  as  given  to  Moses  on 
Mt.  Sinai  ? 

A,  Ex.  XX.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  have  we  now  proved  from  the  Bible  ? 

A.  That  the  Father  is  God,  the  Son  is  God,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  is  God,  and  yet  there  is  but  one 
God. 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  therefore  ? 
A.  A mystery  which  is  beyond  our  comprehension. 

3.  Q.  What  intimations  are  given  in  the  Old  Testa- 

ment of  the  plurality  of  the  Godhead  ? 

A.  Head — Gen.  i.  26;  iii.  22.  Isai.  xlviii.  16. 

4.  Q.  Do  we  find  in  our  translation  of  the  Hew  Testa- 

ment any  direct  proof  of  the  Trinity  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  V.  7. 

1.  Q.  Is  there  any  reason  for  denying  this  doctrine 

because  w'e  cannot  understand  it  ? 

A.  Ho ; there  are  many  mysteries  which  we  believe 
but  cannot  understand. 

2.  Q.  What  is  a mystery  ? 

A.  A truth  which  can  only  be  partly  understood. 

3.  Q.  Can  you  give  an  illustration  of  a mystery  ? 

A.  (Let  each  pupil  give  an  illustration  from  every- 
day experience.) 

4.  Q.  In  the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection,  what  mys* 

tery  does  St.  Paul  show  the  Corinthians? 

A.  1 Cor.  XV.  51.  52. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  151 


1.  Q.  Why  is  this  doctrine  essential  to  onr  faith  ? 

A.  Because  our  salvation  depends  upon  the  offices 
of  the  three  persons  in  the  Trinity. 

2.  Q.  How  nre  we  practically  to  apply  this  doctrine  ? 
A.  “By  honouring  the  Father  who  has  made  us; 

loving  the  Son  who  has  redeemed  us ; and 
praying  the  Holy  Ghost  to  sanctify  us.” 

3.  Q.  What  grace  do  we  implore  therefore  at  the 

close  of  our  prayers  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  xiii.  14. 

4.  Q.  "What  are  we  exhorted  to  contend  for  ? 

A.  St.  Jude  3. 


“ Holy,  Holy,  Holy  ! Lord  God  Almighty ! 

Early  in  the  morning  our  songs  shall  rise  to  thee ; 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy  ! merciful  and  mighty  ! 

God  in  three  persons,  blessed  Trinity  ! 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy  ! all  the  saints  adore  Thee, 

Casting  down  their  golden  crowns  around  the  glassy  sea; 
Cherubim  and  Seraphim  falling  down  before  Thee, 

Which  wert,  and  art,  and  evermore  shall  be  ! 

Holy,  Holy,  Holy  ! though  the  darkness  hide  Thee, 
Though  the  eye  of  sinful  man  Thy  glory  may  not  see, 
Only  Thou  art  Holy ; there  is  none  beside  Thee, 

Perfect  in  power,  in  love,  in  purity  ! ” 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect 

0GOD,  the  strength  of  all  those  who  put  their  trust 
in  thee ; Mercifully  accept  our  prayers;  and  be- 
cause, through  the  weakness  of  our  mortal  nature,  we 


152  the  first  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


can  do  no  good  thing  without  thee,  grant  ns  the  help  of 
thy  grace,  that  in  keeping  thy  commandments  we  may 
please  thee,  both  in  will  and  deed,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  John  iv.  I.—The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xvi.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  have  we  been  studying  during  the  first 

part  of  the  Christian  year? 

A.  The  life  of  Christ  and  the  doctrines  of  our  holy 
religion. 

2.  Q.  What  were  the  chief  features  in  the  life  of 

Christ? 

A.  His  incarnation,  manifestation  to  the  gentiles, 
circumcision,  sufiferings,  death  and  resurrec- 
tion. 

8.  Q.  What  else  have  we  celebrated  ? 

A.  The  coming  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  mystery 
of  the  Holy  Trinity. 

4.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  that  we  have  become  by 
this  marvelous  procession  of  events? 

A.  Eom.  vi.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  to  learn  during  the  remainder  of 

the  year  ? 

A.  To  apply  these  truths  to  our  lives. 

2.  Q.  How  may  we  apply  these  truths  to  our  lives? 

A.  By  praying  for  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  believe  and  do 

those  things  which  Christ  commanded. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  of  those  who  keep 

Christ’s  commandments  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iii.  24. 


THE  FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  153 


L Q.  What  does  Solomon  say  of  the  commandments 
of  God? 

A.  Prov.  vi.  23. 

1.  Q.  In  what  spirit  do  we  therefore  enter  this 

season  ? 

A.  Distrusting  our  own  thoughts. 

2.  Q.  What  do  we  confess  in  the  Collect  ? 

A.  Til  at  through  the  weakness  of  our  mortal  na- 
ture w^e  can  do  no  good  thing  without  the 
help  of  God. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  confess  of  his  inability  to 

do  good  ? 

A.  Eom.  vii.  18. 

4.  Q.  Is  it  possible  to  please  God  if  we  yield  to  the 

flesh  ? 

A.  Eom.  viii.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  power,  not  our  own,  is  given  to  help  our 

w’eakness  ? 

A.  The  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  obtain  this  assistance? 

A.  By  praying  that  the  Holy  Spirit  may  dwell 
in  us. 

3.  Q.  Did  our  Saviour  promise  that  our  prayers  for 

strength  should  always  he  answered? 

A.  St.  Luke  xi.  13. 

4.  Q.  Was  David’s  prayer  for  strength  answered? 

A.  Ps.  cxxxviii.  3. 

1.  Q.  What  other  love  should  we  have  beside  our  love 
for  God? 

A.  We  must  love  one  another. 


154  THE  PIEST  SUNDAY  AFTEK  TRINITY. 

2.  Q.  What  argument  does  the  Epistle  use  for  broth- 

erly love  ? 

A.  “ If  God  so  loved  us,  we  ought  also  to  love  one 
another.” 

3.  Q.  How  much  did  God  love  us? 

A.  St.  Johu  iii.  16. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  therefore  expected  to  treat  our 

brethren  ? 

A.  Eph.  iv.  32. 

1.  Q.  Is  it  possible  to  love  God  and  hate  our  brother? 
A.  Ho  ; the  Epistle  says  that  such  an  one  profess- 
ing to  love  God  is  a liar. 

2.  Q.  Who  is  meant  by  our  brother  in  this  connection  ? 
A.  Every  human  being,  who  are  our  brethren  as 

tlie  sons  of  our  common  father  Adam. 

3.  Q.  What  argument  does  St.  John  use  to  prove  that 

we  cannot  love  God  if  we  hate  our  brother? 
A.  1 St.  John  iv.  20. 

4.  Q.  What  was  the  Jewish  law  which  Christ  abol- 

ished ? 

A.  Ex.  xxi.  24,  25. 

1.  Q.  What  story  did  our  Saviour  relate  to  illustrate 

this  truth  ? 

A.  The  story  of  the  Eich-man  and  Lazarus. 

2.  Q.  What  became  of  both  of  these  men? 

A.  They  both  alike  died  and  were  buried. 

3.  Q.  Where  was  the  beggar  Lazarus  carried  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xvi.  22. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Abraham  answer  the  Eich-man  when 

he  asked  to  be  relieved  of  his  torment  ? 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  155 


A.  St.  Luke  xvi.  25. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  Kich-man  do  ? 

A.  He  did  nothing,  and  therefore  the  beggar 
starved  at  his  gate. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  teach  us  ? 

A.  That  we  may  sin  against  our  brethren  by  omis- 
sion as  well  as  by  acts  of  unkindness. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Christ  say  of  omission  in  duty  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxiii.  23. 

4.  Q.  How  far  does  our  Saviour  say  our  love  to  our 

neighbour  should  extend  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  V.  44. 

“ 0 love  divine,  how  sweet  thou  art ! 

When  shall  I find  ray  willing  heart 
All  taken  up  in  Thee  ? 

I thirst,  I faint,  I die  to  prove 
The  greatness  of  redeeming  love, 

The  love  of  Christ  to  me.” 

Wedey, 

THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

OLORD,  who  never  failest  to  help  and  govern  those 
whom  thou  dost  bring  up  in  thy  steadfast  fear  and 
love  ; Keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  under  the  protection 
of  thy  good  providence,  and  make  us  to  have  a per- 
petual fear  and  love  of  thy  holy  Kame  ; through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  John  iii.  13.— 77tc  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xiv.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  in  the  Collect  for  this  day? 

A.  That  God  helps  us  to  love  and  fear  him. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  fearing  God  ? 


156  the  second  SUNDAY  AFTEE  TEINITY. 

A.  Dreading  lest  wo  offend  him  by  our  sins, 

8.  Q.  What  does  David  say  that  God  will  be  to  those 
who  fear  him  ? 

A.  Ps.  XXV.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  will  be  the  result  of  godly  fear  in  our 
hearts  ? 

A.  Jer.  xxxii.  40. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  again  reminded  will  follow  our 

love  to  God  ? 

A.  Love  to  our  neighbours. 

2.  Q.  How  are  we  instructed  to  show  our  love  to  our 

neighbours  ? 

A.  By  ministering  to  their  necessities. 

3.  Q.  How  does  the  Apostle  say  we  should  love  each 

other  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iii.  18. 

4.  Q.  What  is  the  commandment  which  God  has 

given  us? 

A.  1 John  iii.  23. 

1.  Q.  Of  what  do  we  read  in  the  gospel  ? 

A.  Of  a great  supper  which  a certain  man  made. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  feast  designed  to  represent  ? 

A.  The  feast  of  good  things  spread  out  for  us  in  the 
gospel. 

3.  Q.  To  what  does  our  Saviour  liken  a marriage 

feast  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxii.  2. 

4.  Q.  When  does  Isaiah  say  that  such  a feast  shall  be 

prepared  for  God’s  people  ? 

A.  Isaiah  xxv.  6. 


THE  SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  157 


1.  Q.  Wliat  did  he  send  his  servant  to  tell  those  that 

were  invited  ? 

A.  “ Come  ; for  all  things  are  now  ready.” 

2.  Q.  Who  are  sent  to  invite  men  to  the  heavenly 

feast  ? 

A.  Those  who  are  divinely  ordained  to  preach  the 
gospel. 

3.  Q.  Who  were  sent  before  the  ti^e  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Jer.  XXV.  4. 

4.  Q.  What  does  Isaiah  prophecy  in  reference  to  the 

gospel  feast  ? 

A.  Isaiah  Iv.  1. 

1.  Q.  Did  all  those  who  were  invited  come  to  this 

feast  ? 

A.  hTo ; they  all  made  excuses. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  like  in  the  Spiritual  world  ? 

A.  The  disposition  of  men  to  refuse  the  offers  of 
salvation. 

3.  Q.  What  assurance  have  we  that  our  earthly  wel- 

fare will  not  suffer  by  our  accepting  God’s 
invitation? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  33. 

4.  Q.  What  will  be  the  result  of  our  refusal  ? 

A.  Prov.  i.  24-27. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  master  of  the  house  do  when  he 

heard  of  the  refusal  of  those  who  were  in- 
vited ? 

A.  He  sent  out  for  the  poor,  the  halt,  the  lame  and 
the  blind. 

2.  Q.  To  what  has  this  parable  reference  ? 

14 


158  the  second  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  To  the  calling  of  the  Jews,  and  afterwards  the 
Gentiles,  showing  the  willingness  of  the  Gen- 
tiles to  accept  the  gospel  while  the  Jews  re- 
fused. 

0.  Q.  What  did  St.  Paul  say  to  those  Jews  who  re- 

fused to  listen  to  him  ? 

A.  Acts  xiii.  46. 

4.  Q,  Are  we  led  to  suppose  that  the  Jews  will  even- 
tually be  brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ? 

A.  Eom.  xi.  25,  26. 

1.  Q.  What  again  did  the  master  command  his  ser- 

vants to  do  ? 

A.  To  go  into  the  highways  and  hedges  and  compel 
them  to  come  in. 

2.  Q.  What  duty  does  this  teach  us  ? 

A.  To  go  into  the  lowest  places  to  seek  and  save 
those  that  are  lost. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  gospel  is  meant  for 

all  men  ? 

A.  Col.  iii.  11. 

4.  Q.  Where  were  the  Apostles  commanded  to  go  and 

preach  ? . 

A.  St.  24ark  xvi.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  of  those  who  were  first  in- 

vited ? 

A.  They  should  not  taste  of  his  supper. 

2.  Q.  What  will  happen  if  we  do  not  accept  the  invi- 

tations of  the  gospel  ? 

A.  We  shall  not  taste  of  the  joys  of  heaven. 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFl’ER  TRINITT.  159 


3.  Q.  Are  we  commanded  to  accept  of  it  early  in  life? 
A.  Eccles.  xii.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  danger  do  we  run  in  refusing  the  gospel 

invitation  ? 

A.  Heh.  xii.  25. 

“ Who  loves  the  Lord  aright, 

No  soul  of  man  can  worthless  find  ; 

All  will  be  precious  in  his  sight, 

Since  Christ  on  all  hath  shin’d, 

But  chiefly  Christian  souls ; for  they. 

Though  worn  and  soiled  with  sinful  clay, 

Are  yet,  to  eyes  that  see  them  true. 

All  glistening  with  baptismal  dew.” 

Kehle. 

THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

0LOED,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  hear  us; 

and  grant  that  we,  to  whom  thou  hast  given  an 
hearty  desire  to  pray,  may,  by  thy  mighty  aid,  be 
defended  and  comforted  in  all  dangers  and  adver- 
sities, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 St.  Peter  v.  5. — The  Gospel,  St.  Luke  xv.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  great  truth  of  this  day? 

A.  That  God  is  merciful  to  sinners. 

2.  Q.  To  whom  is  the  mercy  of  God  extended  ? 

A.  To  all  who  call  upon  Him  faithfully. 

8.  Q.  What  does  David  say  of  God’s  merciful  dispo- 
sition ? 

A.  Ps.  cxlv.  18. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  called  upon  to  praise  God  for  His 
mercy  ? 


160  THE  TRIED  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  Ps.  lix.  16. 

1.  Q.  How  did  onr  blessed  Lord  show  His  mercy  to 

publicans  and  sinners  ? 

A.  He  allowed  them  to  come  near  to  hear  Him. 

2.  Q.  Were  publicans  regarded  as  being  as  bad  as  sin- 

ners ? 

A.  They  were  tax-collectors,  who  were  looked 
upon  by  the  Jews  as  great  offenders. 

3.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  express  His  approbation 

of  the  prayer  of  a publican  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xviii.  14. 

4.  Q.  Was  there  a publican  among  the  Apostles  of 

Christ  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  X.  3. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  behave, 

when  they  saw  the  publicans  and  sinners 
approaching  Christ  ? 

A.  They  found  fault  with  Him  for  eating  with  sin- 
ners. 

2.  Q.  What  did  Christ  show  by  His  action? 

A.  That  He  is  willing  to  receive  all  sinners  who 
come  to  Him  in  penitence. 

3.  Q.  How  does  God  show  His  desire  to  pardon  sin- 

ners ? 

A.  Ezek.  xxxiii.  11. 

4.  Q.  In  what  way  did  God  manifest  His  love  for 

sinners? 

A.  Eom.  V.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  show  in  the  parable  of  the 
Gospel  ? 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINI1Y-.  161 


A.  That  He  came  to  save  the  lost  sheep. 

2.  Q.  Who  the  lost  sheep  ? 

A.  All  those  who  do  not  love  the  Lord. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  Christ  called  a shepherd  ? 

A.  St.  John  X.  11. 

4.  Q.  Where  are  we  likened  to  sheep  ? 

A.  Isai.  liii.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  does  Christ  say  of  the  joy  in  heaven? 

A.  That  the  conversion  of  one  sinner  would  cause 
joy  in  heaven. 

2.  Q.  What  is  meant  hy  the  conversion  of  a sinner  ? 

A.  His  repentance  and  forsaking  of  his  sins. 

3.  Q.  What  song  is  sung  in  heaven  to  Christ  for  this 

work  of  redemption  ? 

A.  Eev.  V.  9. 

4.  Q.  Wid  there  be  many  who  will  be  redeemed  by 

Christ? 

A.  Eev.  vii.  9. 

1.  Q.  How  in  another  parable  did  Christ  show  his  in- 

terest in  the  sinner  ? 

A.  By  showing  the  joy  of  the  woman  who  found 
her  piece  of  silver. 

2.  Q.  What  did  the  rejoicing  of  her  neighbours  signify? 
A.  The  joy  of  the  angels  over  the  redeemed. 

3.  Q.  Are  the  angels  said  to  be  interested  in  the  salva- 

tion of  men  ? 

A.  Heb.  i.  14. 

4.  Q.  Does  God  delight  in  our  repentance  ? 

A.  Ezek.  xviii.  23. 

1.  Q.  Who  is  it  that  leads  the  sheep  of  Christ  astray? 
14* 


162 


THE  THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  The  Devil. 

2.  Q.  What  other  names  are  given  to  him  in  the  Bible  ? 
A.  Satan,  the  Dragon,  the  Tempter,  Beelzebub, 

the  wicked  one,  the  Serpent,  &c. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  is  the  Devil’s  way  of 

entrapping  the  sinner? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  V.  8. 

4.  Q.  Was  our  blessed  Lord  ever  tempted  of  the 

Devil  ? ^ 

A.  St.  Matt.  iv.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  called  upon  to  do  therefore  ? 

A.  To  be  sober  and  watchful. 

2.  Q.  How  are  we  to  fight  against  Satan  ? 

A.  By  employing  the  grace  which  God  has  given 
us  in  the  holy  sacraments  for  our  defence  and 
assistance. 

3.  Q.  If  we  persistently  resist  the  temptations  of  Satan, 

will  we  finally  conquer  him  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  iv.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  tell  us  to  resist  the  Devil? 

A.  Eph.  vi.  11. 


“ 0 turn,  and  be  thou  turn’d ! the  selfish  tear, 

In  bitter  thoughts  of  low-horn  care  begun, 

Let  it  flow  on,  but  flow  refined  and  clear, 

The  turbid  waters,  brightening  as  they  run. 

0 lost  and  found  ! all  gentle  souls  below 

Their  dearest  welcome  shall  prepare,  and  prove 
Such  joy  o’er  thee,  as  raptured  Seraphs  know, 

Who  learned  their  lesson  at  the  Throne  of  Love.” 

Keble. 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  163 


THE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY 
The  Collect. 

0GOD,  the  protector  of  all  that  trust  in  thee,  with* 
out  ^Yhom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy;  In- 
crease and  multiply  upon  us  thy  mercy;  that  thou 
being  our  ruler  and  guide,  we  may  so  pass  through 
things  temporal,  that  we  finally  lose  not  the  things 
eternal : grant  this,  O heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus 
Christ’s  sake  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  viii.  \S.—  The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  vi.  36. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  learn  from  the  mercy  which  God 
shows  us  ? 

A.  That  we  should  also  be  merciful  to  each  other. 

2.  Q.  To  whom  should  our  mercy  be  extended  ? 

A.  NTot  only  to  our  friends  and  acquaintances,  but 
even  to  our  enemies. 

3.  Q.  By  what  prayer  did  Christ  show  mercy  to  His 
enemies  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxlii.  34. 

4.  Q.  What  promise  is  extended  to  those  who  show 
mercy  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  V.  7. 

1.  Q,  In  what  way  are  we  to  be  merciful? 

A.  By  not  judging  or  condemning  others. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  mercy  include  ? 

A.  A disposition  to  forgive  any  wrong  done  to  us. 

3.  Q.  What  depends  upon  our  forgiveness  of  our 
enemies  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  14,  15. 

4.  Q.  Who  is  it  that  shall  have  power  to  judge? 


164  the  fourth  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  1 Cor.  iv.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  else  is  included  in  the  idea  of  mercy  to 

others  ? 

A.  That  we  should  give  to  those  who  need. 

2.  Q.  How  much  did  the  law  require  the  Jews  to 

give? 

A.  One  tenth  of  all  they  possessed;  which  law 
Christ  did  not  repeal. 

3.  Q.  What  example  of  benevolence  did  our  Saviour 

commend? 

A.  St.  Luke  xix.  8. 

4.  Q.  What  measure  of  reward  is  promised  to  those 

who  give  to  the  Lord  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  iv.  24. 

1.  Q.  How  does  Christ  show  in  the  parable,  the  folly 

of  sinners  judging  sinners? 

A.  By  showing  that  the  blind  cannot  lead  the 
blind. 

2.  Q.  Who  among  the  Jews  did  our  Lord  call  blind 

leaders  ? 

A.  The  Pharisees  who  were  always  judging  others. 

3.  Q.  Did  Christ  appoint  leaders  or  guides  in  His 

Church  whom  we  should  respect  ? 

A.  Heb.  xiii.  7. 

4.  Q.  Who  above  all  should  we  look  to  as  our  leader 

and  guide  ? 

A.  Ps.  xlviii.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  to  strive  to  become? 

A.  To  become  perfect  like  our  Lord  ? 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  being  perfect? 


THE  FOUETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  165 


A.  Possessing  that  religious  spirit  which  shall  be 
made  perfect  in  heaven. 

3.  Q.  Are  we  expected  to  be  like  unto  Christ  ? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  ii.  21. 

L Q.  May  we  hope  to  be  more  like  Christ  if  we  follow 
His  blessed  steps  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iii.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  Collect  say  of  our  perfection  ? 

A.  That  “ nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy.” 

2.  Q.  From  what  source  do  we  derive  our  strength 

and  goodness  ? 

A.  From  God,  through  the  influence  of  His  Holy 
Spirit. 

3.  Q.  Can  any  one  be  as  holy  as  God  ? 

A.  1 Sam.  ii.  2. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  God  spoken  of  as  the  giver  of  strength  ? 
A*  Ps.  Ixviii.  35. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  pray  that  we  may  pass  through  ? 

A.  Things  temporal. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  things  temporal  ? 

A.  The  events  and  temptations,  which  occur  in 
our  life-time. 

3.  Q.  What  great  event  makes  these  temporal  things 

of  but  little  value  ? 

A.  Ps.  Ixxv.  3. 

4.  Q.  What  is  said  of  earthly  things  in  comparison  of 

heavenly  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  19,  20. 

1.  Q.  To  what  does  the  Christian  hope  to  be  brought 
at  last  ? 


166 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY, 


A.  To  enjoy  the  “ things  eternal/' 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  “ things  eternal  ? ” 

A.  Those  joys  and  pleasures  which  Christ  has  pre- 
pared for  those  who  love  Him,  in  heaven. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Christ  say  to  those  who  do  not  em- 

ploy their  earthly  treasures  aright  ? 

A.  Q.  St.  Luke  xvi.  11. 

4.  Q.  To  wdiat  inheritance  are  the  faithful  encouraged 

to  look  forward  ? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  i.  4. 


“ He  bids  us  hear,  at  each  sweet  pause, 

From  care,  and  want,  and  toil, — 

When  dewy  eve  her  curtain  draws 
Over  the  day’s  turmoil. 

In  the  low  chant  of  wakeful  birds. 

In  the  deep  weltering  flood. 

In  whispering  leaves,  these  solemn  words, — 

‘ God  made  us  all  for  good.’  ” 

KehU. 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect, 


Grant,  O Loed,  we  beseech  thee,  that  the  course 
of  this  world  may  be  so  peaceably  ordered  by  thy 
governance,  that  thy  Church  may  joyfully  serve  thee 
in  all  godly  quietness,  through  Jesus  Cheist  our 
Lord.  Amen. 


The  Epistle.  1.  St.  Peter  iii.  %.—The  Gospel.  St,  Luke  v.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  Collect  of  this  day  ? 
A.  The  peace  and  prosperity  of  Christ’s  Church. 

2.  Q.  Why  do  we  pray  for  this  peace  ? 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  167 


A.  Because  men  are  often  deprived  of  opportuni- 
ties of  public  worship  through  the  malice  of 
ungodly  men. 

3.  Q.  How  did  Manasseh  profane  God’s  house  ? 

A.  2 Chron.  xxxiii.  7. 

4.  Q.  Did  our  Saviour  find  that  men  were  profaning 

God’s  holy  Temple  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxi.  12,  13. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  Church  of  Christ  ? 

A.  It  is  the  visible  organization  which  He  estab- 
lished on  earth. 

2.  Q.  Is  any  religious  organization  properly  the  Church 

of  Christ? 

A.  To  be  a true  Church  it  must  have  its  divinely 
appointed  ministry  besides  the  Word  and  the 
Sacraments. 

3.  Q.  What  happened  to  Korah  for  attempting  to  es- 

tablish a Church  without  this  divine  ordina- 
tion ? 

A.  Hum.  xvi.  32. 

4.  Q.  What  does  this  teach  us  of  all  merely  human 

organizations  ? 

A.  Ps.  cxxvii.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  prayer  for  “ Christ’s 

Church  militant  ? ” 

A.  A prayer  for  the  Church  carrying  on  a Spiritual 
warfare  against  the  world. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  it  called  militant  ? 

A.  Because  of  its  warfare  against  the  enemies  of 
our  souls. 


168  THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  we  taught  to  praj  for  Christ’s 

Church  ? 

A.  Ps.  cxxii.  6. 

4.  Q.  What  prayer  did  Christ  offer  for  the  unity  of 

the  Church  ? 

A.  St.  John  xvii.  21. 

1.  Q.  Who  are  members  of  the  Church  of  Christ? 

A.  All  those  who  have  been  baptized. 

2.  Q.  Does  baptism  make  people  good  Christians  ? 

A.  It  gives  them  God’s  Holy  Spirit,  and  makes 
them  God’s  children,  but  if  they  are  unfaith-^ 
ful  they  are  bad  children,  and  will  not  be  ac- 
knowledged by  him. 

8.  Q.  In  what  way  does  St.  Peter  say  that  baptism 
saves  us? 

A.  1 St.  Peter  iii.  21. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  even  though  we  be  with- 
in the  covenant  we  still  may  perish? 

A.  St.  Luke  xiii.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  are  the  ministers  of  Christ  called  in  the 

gospel  ? 

A.  “ Fishers  of  men.” 

2.  Q.  By  what  titles  are  the  ministers  of  Christ  now 

known? 

A.  By  the  titles  of  Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  three  orders  of 

the  ministry  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  xii.  28. 

4.  Q.  Where  does  he  address  the  officers  of  the 

Church  in  their  respective  orders  ? 


THE  FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  160 


A.  Phil.  i.  1. 

1 . Q.  "Who  are  to  be  brought  into  the  Church  of  Christ ! 
A.  All  the  nations  of  the  world. 

2.  Q.  Is  the  gospel  preached  in  all  parts  of  the  known 

world  now  ? 

A.  There  are  some  places  where  the  people  have 
never  heard  of  God. 

3.  Q.  Is  the  universal  spread  of  the  gospel  foretold? 
A.  Isaiah  lii.  10. 

4.  Q.  What  prophecy  is  contained  in  St.  Luke  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  iii.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  other  Church  do  we  read  of  besides  the 

Church  militant  ? 

A.  The  Church  Triumphant  ? 

2.  Q.  What  is  the  Church  Triumphant  ? 

A.  The  Church  in  heaven,  where  Christ  sits  on  the 
right  hand  of  God. 

3.  Q.  When  will  the  Church  be  triumphant  ? 

A.  Pev.  xii.  10. 

4.  Q.  When  had  this  final  triumph  of  Christ  and  his 

Church  been  predicted  ? 

A.  Eom.  xvi.  20. 

1.  Q.  Will  all  who  belong  to  the  Church  militant  be 

included  in  the  Church  triumphant  ? 

A.  Only  those  who  are  faithful  to  their  baptismal 
vows. 

2.  Q.  Where  will  those  who  are  unfaithful  be  sent  ? 

A.  Into  everlasting  punishment. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  condemnation  of  the  wicked  re- 

corded ? 

15 


170  THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  Ps.  ix.  17.  / 

4r.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  say  that  good  Christians 
could  he  distinguished  from  the  bad  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  20. 


“ Head  of  the  hosts  in  glory  ! 

We  joyfully  adore  Thee, 

Thy  Church  below, 

Blending  with  those  on  high — 

Where  through  the  azure  sky 
Thy  saints  in  ecstasy 
Forever  glow ! ” 

Brydges, 

THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

OGOD,  who  hast  prepared  for  those  who  love  thee 
such  good  things  as  pass  man’s  understanding; 
Pour  into  our  hearts  such  love  toward  thee,  that  we, 
loving  thee  above  all  things,  may  obtain  thy  promises, 
which  exceed  all  that  we  can  desire ; through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  vi.  3.— Gospel.  St.  Matt.  v.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  are  prepared  for  those  who  love  God? 

A.  “ Such  good  things  as  pass  man’s  understand- 
ing.” 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  good  things  beyond  our  compre- 
hension ? 

A.  The  blessings  of  religion  in  this  world,  and  eter- 
nal happiness  in  the  world  to  come. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  rewards  of  lov- 
ing God  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  ii.  9. 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  171 


4.  Q.  What  benediction  is  pronounced  upon  those  who 
are  faithful  to  their  covenant  vows  ? 

A.  Phil.  iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  In  what  way  are  we  brought  within  this  cove- 

nant of  grace  ? 

A.  By  the  holy  Sacrament  of  baptism. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  a Sacrament  ? 

A.  “ An  outward  and  visible  sign  of  an  inward  and 
spiritual  grace  given  unto  us  ; ordained  by 
Christ  himself  as  a means  whereby  we  re- 
ceive the  same,  and  a pledge  to  assure  us 
thereof.” 

3.  Q.  Did  our  Saviour  make  baptism  a necessity  ? 

A.  St.  John  iii.  5. 

4.  Q.  How  does  St.  Peter  interpret  the  use  of  baptism 

as  a means  of  grace  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  38. 

1.  Q.  Into  what  were  we  baptized? 

A.  Into  the  death  of  Jesus  Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  mean  ? 

A.  That  in  baptism  our  sins  are  buried,  having  died 
unto  sin. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  death  in  baptism  regarded  as  a 

token  of  forgiveness  ? 

A.  Col.  ii.  13. 

4.  Q.  As  salvation  depends  on  death  to  sin”  how  is 

baptism  shown  to  be  this  “ death  to  sin  ? ” 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  16. 

1.  Q.  If  we  be  dead  with  Christ  in  baptism  what  will 
follow  ? 


172  THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  We  shall  also  live  with  him. 

2.  Q.  To  what  life  does  this  refer  ? 

A.  To  the  life  everlasting,  after  the  resurrection. 

3.  Q.  How  is  this  parallel  of  our  burial  carried  into 

the  resurrection  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Eom.  vi.  5. 

4.  Q.  Hoes  this  resurrection  include  our  bodies  as  well 

as  our  souls  ? 

A.  Eom.  viii.  11, 

1.  Q.  How  should  we  who  are  baptized  live  there- 

fore ? 

A.  In  newness  of  life. 

2.  Q.  What  is  living  in  newness  of  life  ? 

A.  As  our  old  life  was  a life  of  sin,  newness  of  life 
is  a life  of  holiness. 

8.  Q.  What  is  the  fruit  which  we  should  expect  from 
those  who  are  freed  from  sin  ? 

A.  Eom.  vi.  22. 

4.  Q.  If  we  are  holy  what  must  we  present  unto  the 
Lord? 

A.  Eom.  xii.  1. 

1.  Q.  How  holy  should  we  be  ? 

A.  Our  righteousness  should  be  more  than  that  of 
the  Scribes  and  Pharisees. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  righteousness  of  the  Scribes  and 

Pharisees. 

A.  It  was  external  and  formal  and  did  not  proceed 
from  the  heart. 

3.  Q.  How  does  our  Saviour  describe  the  character  of 

the  Scribes  and  Pharisees  ? 


THE  SIXTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  173 


A.  St.  Matt,  xxiii.  14,  15. 

4.  Q.  How  should  we  serve  God  ? 

A.  Dent.  xxvi.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  does  our  Lord  include  among  great  sins? 
A.  Being  angry  with  our  brother. 

2.  Q.  Who  is  meant  by  our  brother  in  this  connec- 

tion ? 

A.  All  men  of  whatever  nation  or  condition. 

3.  Q.  Is  it  right  to  be  angry  under  any  circumstances 

or  at  any  time  ? 

A.  Eph.  iv.  26. 

4.  Q.  What  is  said  of  him  who  hateth  his  brother? 

A.  1 St.  John  iii.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  directions  did  Christ  give  to  those  who 

came  to  the  altar  ? 

A.  That  before  offering  their  gifts  they  should  be 
reconciled  with  all  men. 

2.  Q.  Is  it  wrong  to  come  to  the  Holy  Communion  if 

we  are  angry  with  any  one  ? 

A.  Yes  ; we  must  be  in  love  and  charity  with  all 
men. 

3.  Q.  What  did  the  Jews  offer  upon  their  altar? 

A.  Ex.  xxix.  38. 

4.  Q.  Why  are  we  not  expected  to  offer  up  the  same 

kind  of  sacrifice  ? 

A.  Heb.  X.  12. 


‘‘  Wouldst  thou  the  pangs  of  gilt  assuage  ? 
Lo  here  an  open  page, 

Where  heavenly  mercy  shines  as  free, 
Written  in  balm,  sad  heart,  for  thee, 

15* 


174  THE  SEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


Never  so  fast,  in  silent  April  shower, 

Flush’d  into  green  the  dry  and  leafless  bower, 

As  Israel’s  crowned  mourner  felt 
The  dull  hard  stone  within  him  melt.” 

Kehle. 


THE  SEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect. 

Lord  of  all  power  and  might,  who  art  the  author 
and  giver  of  all  good  things ; graft  in  our  hearts 
the  love  of  thy  name,  increase  in  us  true  religion, 
nourish  us  with  all  goodness,  and  of  thy  great  mercy 
keep  us  in  the  same,  through  Jesus  Cheist  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  vi.  19.— TVie  Gospel.  St.  Mark  viii.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  divine  attribute  do  we  acknowledge  in  the 
Collect  ? 

A.  The  omnipotence  of  God. 

2.  Q.  How  is  Fie  all-powerful  and  almighty  ? 

A.  He  able  to  do  any  thing  that  He  chooses. 

3.  Q.  Where  do  you  find  one  of  the  proofs  of  God’s 
omnipotence  ? 

A.  1 Chron.  xxix.  12. 

4.  Q.  To  whom  is  all  power  given  in  heaven  and 
earth  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XX viii.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  proceedeth  from  God? 

A.  All  good  things  ; every  thing  that  we  have. 

2.  Q.  What  do  these  good  things  include  ? 

A.  All  that  we  enjoy  on  earth  and  all  that  we  hope 
for  in  heaven. 


THE  SEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  175 


3.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  of  the  source  of  all 

good  gifts  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  i.  17. 

4.  Q.  Can  we  receive  nothing  except  as  a gift  from 

God? 

A.  St.  John  hi.  27. 

1.  Q.  What  do  you  pray  for  in  the  Collect  ? 

A.  That  God  “ will  graft  in  our  hearts  the  love  of 
His  name.” 

2.  Q.  If  His  love  is  grafted  into  us,  what  will  it  do  ? 

A.  It  will  become  part  of  our  nature  and  prevent 

us  from  sin. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  Gentiles  being 

grafted  into  Christ  ? 

A.  Kom.  xi.  23. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  of  those  who  love  God? 
A.  1 St.  John  iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  What  will  the  love  of  God  increase  in  us  ? 

A.  True  religion  and  all  goodness. 

2.  Q.  What  is  true  religion  ? 

A.  It  is  a true  faith,  freedom  from  sin  and  faithful 
practice. 

3.  Q.  How  must  we  worship  God  ? 

A.  St.  John  iv.  24. 

4.  Q.  Is  an  external  and  formal  worship  pleasing  to 

God  ? 

A.  St.  ]\Iatt.  XV.  8,  9. 

1.  Q.  What  is  related  in  the  gospel? 

A.  The  miraculous  feeding  of  a great  multitude. 


176  THE  SEVENTH  SUNDAY  AETER  TRINITY. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  feeding  signify  in  a spiritual 

sense  ? 

A.  The  nourishment  of  the  soul  with  heavenly 
food. 

3.  Q.  What  example  can  you  give  of  the  compassion 

which  Christ  felt  for  the  bodily  infirmities 
of  men  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XX.  84. 

4.  Q.  What  reason  did  St.  Paul  give  for  the  ability  of 

Christ  to  compassionate  man  in  his  spiritual 
infirmities  ? 

A.  Heb.  V.  2. 

1.  Q.  Did  the  disciples  understand  that  Christ  could 

satisfy  the  hunger  of  the  multitude? 

A.  No  ; for  they  asked  Him,  how  they  were  to  be 
satisfied. 

2.  Q.  What  feast  did  Christ  jjrepare  for  those  who 

hungered  in  spirit  ? 

A.  The  Eucharist,  good  gift  or  Holy  Communion. 

3.  Q.  Had  God  ever  fed  the  Jews  miraculously  before 

this? 

A.  Deut.  viii.  16. 

4.  Q.  How  did  God  feed  Elijah  in  the  wilderness  ? 

A.  1 Kings  xvii.  4. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  do  before  distributing  the  food  ? 
A.  He  gave  thanks  to  God  for  it. 

2.  Q.  What  should  this  teach  us? 

A.  Our  duty  of  giving  thanks  before  meat. 

3.  Q.  Did  the  Jews  give  thanks  before  eating  ? 

A.  1 Sam.  ix.  13. 


THE  EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  177 


4.  Q.  Why  should  we  thank  God  for  our  daily  food  ? 
A.  Ps.  cxlv.  15. 

1.  Q.  AVhat  food  does  Christ  exhort  us  to  seek  after  ? 
A.  That  food  which  will  endure  forever. 

2.  Q.  Who  is  called  the  bread  of  life  ? 

A.  Jesus  Christ,  of  whom,  if  we  partake,  we  shall 
never  hunger. 

8.  Q.  By  what  nourishment  are  we  spiritually  fed  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  iv.  4. 

4.  Q.  Where  are  we  promised  that  we  shall  again  eat 
with  Christ  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xiv.  15. 


“ Bread  of  heaven,  on  Thee  I feed, 
For  Thy  flesh  is  meat  indeed, 

Ever  may  my  soul  be  fed, 

With  the  true  and  living  Bread : 
Bay  by  day  with  strength  supplied. 
Through  the  life  of  Him  who  died.” 


THE  EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

OGOD,  whose  never-failing  providence  ordereth 
all  things  both  in  heaven  and  earth  ; We  humbly 
beseech  thee  to  put  away  from  us  all  hurtful  things, 
and  to  give  us  those  things  which  are  profitable  for  us ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Rom.  viii.  12. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt  vil.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  acknowledge  in  the  Collect? 

A.  That  God  orders  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth 


178  the  eighth  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

2.  Q.  How  does  God  order  all  things  ? 

A.  By  caring  for,  watching  over  and  directing  aU 
things  for  our  good. 

3.  Q.  ‘Where  do  you  find  the  Scripture  proof  of  this 

truth  ? 

A.  1 Chron.  xxix.  12. 

4.  Q.  Has  God  the  knowledge  which  will  enable  him 

thus  to  order  all  things  ? 

A.  Acts  XV.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  does  this  knowledge  give  ns  confidence  to 

pray  for  ? 

A.  That  He  will  preserve  us  from  all  hurtful  things. 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  hurtful  things? 

A.  Whatever  may  endanger  the  welfare  of  our 
souls. 

3.  Q.  Have  we  any  reason  for  believing  that  God  will 

help  us  ? 

A.  Heh.  xiii.  6. 

4.  Q.  How  was  Christ  prepared  by  His  life  on  earth 

to  understand  what  assistance  we  need  ? 

A.  Heh.  iv.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  infiuence  does  the  Epistle  speak  of  which 

may  hurt  our  souls? 

A.  The  influence  of  the  flesh. 

2.  Q.  How  can  the  flesh  influence  us  to  evil  ? 

A.  The  flesh  is  that  fallen  nature  within  us,  which 
arouses  our  evil  passions. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  influence  of  the 

flesh? 

A.  Gal.  V.  ir. 


THE  EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  179 


4.  Q.  What  does  he  include  among  the  works  of  the 
flesh  ? 

A.  Gal.  V.  19-21.  * 

1.  Q.  What  other  influence  does  the  gospel  warn  ns 

against  ? 

A.  False  prophets  or  teachers. 

2.  Q.  Who  are  false  prophets  among  ns  ? 

A.  Those  who  teach  contrary  to  “ the  truth  as  it 
is  in  Jesus.” 

8.  Q.  Can  you  give  an  example  of  false  prophets  in 
the  time  of  the  Apostles  ? 

A.  2 Tim.  ii.  17, 18. 

4.  Q.  Did  St.  Peter  prophesy  that  there  should  bs 
false  prophets  among  us  ? 

A.  2 St.  Peter  ii.  1. 

1.  Q.  How  do  these  false  Prophets  appear  to  us? 

A.  In  sheep’s  clothing. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  mean? 

A.  They  appear  in  a character  which  does  not  be- 
long to  them. 

3.  Q.  How  are  false  teachers  condemned? 

A.  Gal.  i.  8. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  these  false  prophets 

would  endeavour  to  do  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xiii.  22. 

1.  Q.  How  can  we  tell  the  false  from  the  true  teachers  ? 
A.  By  their  fruits. 

2.  Q.  Will  they  only  show  it  in  their  conduct? 

A.  No;  they  may  appear  holy  while  they  teach 
false  doctrines. 


180  THE  EIGHTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

3.  Q.  How  were  the  Jews  to  know  a false  prophet? 
A.  Deut.  xviii;  22. 

4.  Q.  What  fruits  will  the  true  teachers  bring  forth  ? 
A.  2 Tim.  ii.  24,  25. 

1.  Q.  What  do  these  false  teachers  do  ? 

A.  They  create  divisions  in  the  Church  and  scatter 
Christ’s  sheep. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  division  from  the  Holy  Catholic 

Church  called  ? 

A.  Schism,  which  often  leads  to  very  great  error  in 
faith  and  practice. 

3.  Q.  Did  the  Apostle  censure  the  Corinthians  for 

their  schism  ? 

A.  1 Cor  i.  10. 

4.  Q.  Does  he  state  that  schism  came  through  the  evil 

influence  of  the  flesh  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  hi.  3. 

1.  Q.  Did  Christ  design  that  His  Church  should  be 

united  ? 

A.  Yes;  He  often  spoke  of  the  unity  of  brethren. 

2.  Q.  Who  deplored  this  Spirit  of  schism  in  the  Church 

of  Corinth? 

A.  St.  Paul,  who  saw  parties  arising,  some  in  the 
name  of  Paul,  some  of  Appolo,  and  some  of 
Cephas. 

3.  Q.  What  did  he  ask  them? 

A.  1 Cor.  i.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  sins  are  apt  to  follow  schism,  from  which 

we  pray  in  the  Litany  to  be  delivered  ? 


THE  NINTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  181 


A.  Hardness  of  heart  and  contempt  of  God’s  word 
and  commandment.” 


One  sole  baptismal  sign, 

One  Lord,  below,  above, 

Zion,  one  faith  is  thine. 

The  only  watchword.  Love  ; 

From  many  temples  though  it  rise. 

One  song  ascending  to  the  skies. 

Head  of  the  Church  beneath, 

The  Catholic,  the  true. 

On  all  her  members  breathe. 

Her  broken  frame  renew  I 
Thus  shall  Thy  perfect  will  be  done, 

When  Christians  love  and  live  as  one.” 

Robinson^ 


THE  NINTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

G HAN'T  to  ns,  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  the  spirit  to 
think  and  do  always  such  things  as  are  right ; 
that  we,  who  cannot  do  anything  that  is  good  without 
thee,  may  by  thee  be  enabled  to  live  according  to  thy 
will ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 Cor.  x.  l.—The  Gospel.  St.  Luke.  xvi.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  in  the  Collect  to-day? 

A.  That  in  order  to  do  right  we  must  think  right.. 
2.  Q.  How  do  our  thoughts  aifect  our  actions? 

A.  Unless  we  think  and  desire  to  do  good  we  can- 
not perform  good  deeds. 

8.  Q.  Where  is  a willing  heart  regarded  as  the  begin- 
ning of  good  action? 

IG 


182  the  ninth  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  1 Cliron.  xxviii.  9. 

4,  Q.  Why  should  we  pray  for  strength  to  perform 
those  things  which  we  desire  to  do  ? 

A.  Rom.  vii.  18. 

1.  Q.  How  must  we  govern  our  thoughts  ? 

A.  So  as  to  he  in  accordance  with  his  will. 

2.  Q.  Does  God  reveal  his  will  in  order  that  we  may 

conform  to  it  ? 

A.  He  has  revealed  his  will  in  the  Holy  Bible,  so 
that  none  need  mistake  it. 

3.  Q.  Who  gives  us  strength  to  will  or  desire  that 

which  is  right  ? 

A.  Phil.  ii.  13. 

4.  Q.  Is  it  possible  for  us  to  think  any  thing  that  is 

good  without  God’s  help  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  iii.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  read  in  the  Epistle  ? 

A.  That  the  Jews  did  not  have  a desire  to  please 
God. 

'2.  Q.  In  what  way  did  they  show  this  ? 

V A.  By  constantly  disobeying  his  commands. 

Q.  Did  they  receive  God’s  strength  to  perform  their 
duty  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  2,  3,  4. 

‘4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  would  follow  our 
good  desire  to  love  and  please  him  ? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  14. 

4.  Q.  Against  what  does  this  history  of  the  Jews 
warn  us  ? 

A.  The  danger  of  disobeying  God. 


THE  NINTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  183 


2.  Q,  What  happened  to  the  Jews  on  account  of  this 

disobedience  ? 

A.  They  were  overthrown  in  the  wilderness. 

3.  Q.  Did  our  Saviour  hold  this  up  as  an  example 

to  us? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  11. 

4.  Q.  What  will  happen  to  the  children  of  disobedi- 

ence ? 

A.  Eph.  V.  6. 

1.  Q.  Who  are  warned  to  take  care  lest  they  fall  ? 

A.  Those  who  think  they  are  standing. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  show  us  ? 

A.  That  even  the  holiest  among  us  are  liable  to  fall 
into  sin. 

3.  Q.  Does  David  acknowledge  his  liability  to  fall? 

A.  Ps.  cxliii.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  confess  his  frailty? 

A.  Kom.  vii.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  gospel  teach  us  ? 

A.  That  we  are  accountable  to  God  for  his  gifts. 

2.  Q.  What  gifts  are  included  in  this  obligation? 

A.  Every  gift,  whether  temporal  or  spiritual. 

3.  Q.  What  is  required  of  the  stewards  of  God  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  iv.  2. 

4.  Q.  Have  each  one  of  us  to  give  account  to  God  for 

his  gifts  to  us  ? 

A.  Kom.  xiv.  12. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  unjust  steward  do  ? 

A.  He  acted  dishonestly  with  his  master’s  goods. 


184  the  ninth  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


2.  Q.  How  may  we  act  dishonestly  with  the  gifts  of 

God? 

A.  By  squandering  them  for  our  own  gratification 
and  not  using  them  for  his  glory. 

3.  Q.  What  example  of  dishonesty  was  punished  by 

the  Apostles  ? 

A.  Acts  V.  1,  2. 

4.  Q.  What  befell  Gehazi  for  his  dishonesty  ? 

A.  2 Kings  v.  27. 

1.  Q.  Are  you  a steward  of  Christ? 

A.  Yes ; of  the  gifts  which  He  has  given  me  to  use 
for  his  glory. 

2.  Q.  In  what  way  can  you  be  a good  steward  ? 

A.  By  devoting  my  life  and  all  that  I have  to 
Christ. 

3.  Q.  When  should  you  begin  to  serve  God  as  his 

steward  ? 

A.  Eccles.  xii.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  reward  did  our  Lord  pronounce  upon  the 

faithful  steward  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XXV.  21. 


“ Teach  me,  my  God  and  king, 

Thy  will  in  all  to  see ; 

And  what  I do  in  any  thing, 

To  do  it  as  for  Thee. 

If  done  beneath  Thy  laws. 

E’en  servile  labours  shine  ; 
Hallow’d  is  toil,  if  Thine  the  cause ; 
The  meanest  work,  divine.” 


Herbert. 


THE  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  185 


THE  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

ET  thy  mercifal  ears,  0 Lord,  be  open  to  the  pray- 


ers of  thy  humble  servants;  and  that  they  may 
obtain  their  petitions  make  them  to  ask  such  things 
as  shall  please  thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


The  Epistle.  1 Cor.  xii.  1.—  The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xix.  41. 

1.  Q.  What  mercy  do  we  ask  for  in  the  Collect  ? 

A.  That  God  will  listen  to  our  prayers. 

2.  Q.  Will  our  Heavenly  Father  listen  to  our  prayers? 
A.  If  we  ask  Him  aright  His  ears  are  always  open,. 

3.  Q.  Under  what  obligations  are  we  to  pray  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xviii.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  encouragement  did  Christ  give  us  to  pray  ?' 
A.  St.  Luke  xi.  9. 

1.  Q.  What  is  our  first  duty  in  prayer  ? 

A.  To  confess  our  sins. 

2.  Q.  What  is  included  in  a proper  confession  of  sin  ? 
A.  A sorrow  for  sin  which  will  incite  us  to  repent- 
ance. 

3.  Q.  What  was  the  first  thing  that  the  prodigal  Son. 

did  on  coming  back  to  His  Father  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  XV.  21. 

1.  Q.  How  is  the  duty  of  confessing  our  sins  shown  im 
the  prayer  of  David  ? 

A.  Ps.  xxxii.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  must  we  feel  if  we  would  be  forgiven  of 


Amen, 


our  sins? 
16* 


186  THE  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  A hatred  for  sin  which  displeases  God. 

2,  Q.  How  can  we  show  our  hatred  of  sin  ? 

A.  By  constantly  watching  and  quickly  fleeing 
from  the  temptation  to  sin. 

6.  Q.  Are  any  of  us  entirely  free  from  sin  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  i.  8. 

4.  Q.  Is  it  our  duty  to  watch  against  sin  and  its  tempta- 
tions? 

A.  Sfc.  Luke  xxi.  86. 

1.  Q.  After  confessing  those  sins  which  we  hate, 

what  are  we  prepared  to  do  ? 

A.  To  pray  to  be  delivered  from  evil. 

2.  Q.  What  will  this  desire  to  be  freed  from  evil  in- 

spire ? 

A.  A hearty  wish  for  holiness  or  obedience  to 
God’s  will. 

3.  Q.  What  motive  have  we  to  holiness  ? 

A.  Levit.  xi.  44. 

4.  Q.  Can  we  hope  to  see  the  Lord  unless  we  arrive 

at  some  degree  of  holiness  ? 

A.  Heb.  xii.  14. 

1.  Q.  What  follows  our  prayer  to  be  delivered  from 
evil  ? 

A.  Our  prayer  to  obtain  that  which  is  good  for  us. 
'2,  Q.  What  feeling  must  give  life  to  this  prayer  to 
receive  good? 

A.  “A  lively  sense  of  feeling  of  God’s  goodness  in 
all  His  benefits.” 

IB.  Q.  What  does  David  say  of  the  goodness  of  God? 

A.  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  11. 


THE  TENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  187 


4.  Q.  What  argument  for  the  answer  of  prayer  does 
our  Saviour  use  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xi.  13. 

1.  Q.  What  therefore  should  be  included  in  our 

prayers  ? 

A.  Thanks  to  God  for  His  mercies  and  favours. 

2.  Q.  How  should  our  praises  be  excited  ? 

A.  By  a deep  reverence  and  joyful  sense  of  the 
perfections  of  God. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Psalmist  call  upon  all  people 

to  do  ? 

A.  Ps.  Ixvii.  3. 

4.  Q.  What  are  we  to  remember  when  we  sing  praises 

to  God  ? 

A.  Ps.  ciii.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  did  our  Lord  do  when  He  went  into  the 

Temple  ? 

A.  He  cast  out  the  money  changers. 

2.  Q.  What  should  this  teach  us  of  the  house  of  God? 
A.  That  the  Church  of  God  is  not  to  be  used  for 

uphallowed  and  worldly  purposes. 

3.  Q.  What  command  had  been  given  in  reference  to 

God’s  sanctuary? 

A.  Levit.  xxvi.  2. 

4.  Q.  To  what  prophecy  did  our  Saviour  refer  in  the 

gospel ? 

A.  Lai.  Ivi.  7. 

1.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  that  the  Church  was  ? 

A.  It  was  “ the  house  of  prayer  ? 

2.  Q.  What  do  we  learn  from  this? 


188  the  eleventh  Sunday  aeter  trinity. 

A.  That  public  prayer  is  as  essential  as  private 
prnyer. 

3.  Q.  Did  the  early  Christians  meet  often  in  public 

Avorship  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  42. 

4.  Q.  "What  is  the  highest  act  of  Christian  worship  ? 

A,  The  celebration  of  the  Holy  Eucharist  or  Com- 
munion. 

“ Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray  aright, 

With  reverence  and  with  fear  ; 

Though  dust  and  ashes  in  Thy  sight, 

We  may,  we  must  draw  nenr : 

We  perish  if  we  cease  from  prayer, 

Oh ! grant  us  power  to  pray ; 

And  when  to  meet  Thee  we  prepare. 

Lord,  meet  us  by  the  way.” 

Montgomery, 


THE  ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

OGOD,  who  declarest  thy  almighty  power  chiefly 
in  showing  mercy  and  pity;  mercifully  grant 
unto  us  such  a measure  of  thy  grace,  that  we,  run- 
ning the  way  of  thy  commandments,  may  obtain  thy 
gracious  promises,  and  be  made  partakers  of  thy 
heavenly  treasure,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen, 

The  Epistle.  1 Cor.  xv.  \.—The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xvlii.  9. 

1.  Q.  How  is  God’s  power  most  plainly  shown? 

A.  In  His  mercy  and  pity. 

2.  Q.  In  whnt  way  was  the  power  of  our  Saviour 
chiefly  shown? 


THE  ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  189 


A.  la  using  his  miraculous  power  for  the  relief  ol 
misery. 

8.  Q.  How  great  is  God’s  mercy  said  to  he  ? 

A.  Ps.  ciii.  17. 

4:.  Q.  What  instance  of  God’s  mercy  was  given  as  an 
evidence  of  His  power? 

A.  Ps.  cvi.  8. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Christ  show  His  power  in  mercy  to 

the  publican  ? 

A.  By  receiving  his  prayer. 

2.  Q.  What  is  taught  us  here,  as  to  the  Spirit  in  which' 

we  should  offer  prayer  ? 

A.  That  we  should  pray  with  an  humble  spirit, 
conscious  of  our  unworthiness. 

3.  Q.  Did  Christ  approve  of  the  spirit  of  the  Phar- 

isees? 

A.  St.  Matt.  V.  20. 

4.  Q.  Are  there  any  who  can  plead  their  own  merits 

in  prayer  ? 

A.  Tit.  iii.  5. 

1.  Q.  Who  were  the  Pharisees  ? 

A.  A sect  of  the  Jews  who  were  very  strict  in 
obeying  the  letter  of  the  law. 

2.  Q.  Who  were  the  Publicans  ? 

A.  They  were  tax-collectors,  who  for  their  extor- 
tions were  very  generally  hated  and  despised 
by  the  Jews. 

8.  Q.  Was  it  customary  for  the  Jews  to  say  their 
prayers  often  in  the  temple  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiv.  53. 


190  THE  ELEVENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY, 


4.  Q.  What  excited  hatred  against  the  Publicans,  and 
which  Christ  reproved  them  for  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  iii.  13. 

1.  Q.  How  did  the  Pharisee  pray  ? 

A.  With  pride  in  his  heart  that  ho  was  not  like  the 
Publican. 

2.  Q.  What  did  he  say  he  was  free  from  ? 

A.  Those  gross,  sins  which  are  degrading  to  hu- 
manity. 

3.  Q.  Had  God  condemned  men  who  indulged  in 

these  vices  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  vi.  9,  10. 

4.  Q.  What  does  God  say  to  those  who  think  that 

they  need  nothing  ? 

A.  Eev.  iii.  17,  18. 

1.  Q.  What  merit  did  the  Pharisee  claim? 

A.  That  he  gave  a tenth  of  his  goods  to  God  and 
fasted  twice  a week. 

2.  Q.  Does  the  Church  appoint  any  regular  weekly 

fast  ? 

A.  “Every  Friday  in  the  year  except  Christmas- 
day.” 

3.  Q.  Were  the  Pharisees  careful  to  pay  their  tithes?  . 
A.  St.  Luke  xi.  42. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  fasting  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  ii.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  was  the  fault  in  the  prayer  of  the  Phar- 

isee? 

A.  He  did  not  acknowledge  his  own  sinfulness. 

2.  Q.  In  what  consisted  the  merit  of  the  Publican  ? 


THE  ELEVENTH  SltNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  191 


A.  In  that  he  confessed  that  he  was  unworthy  of 
the  mercy  of  God. 

8.  Q.  What  prayer  of  David  was  like  this  one  of  the 
Publican  ? 

A.  Ps.  li.  1,  2. 

L Q.  Of  what  was  smiting  oneself  indicative  ? 

A.  Jer.  xxxi.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  was  Christ’s  decision  inTeference  to  these 

two  prayers  ? 

A.  The  Publican  was  justified  while  the  Pharisee 
was  not. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  being  justified? 

. A.  He  was  accounted  righteous. 

3.  Q.  Does  God  love  humble  and  contrite  sinners  ? 

A.  Isai.  Ivii.  15. 

4.  Q.  dan  we  possibly  merit  the  mercy  of  God  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xvii.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  therefore  must  we  do  in  approaching 

God? 

A.  We  must  humble  ourselves. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  humble  ourselves  ? 

A.  By  feeling  our  unworthiness  and  the  infinite 
perfection  of  God. 

3.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  add  in  this  commenda- 

tion of  the  Publican  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xviii.  14. 

4.  Q.  To  whom  therefore  must  we  give  glory  for  all 
• the  good  that  we  may  do  ? 

A.  Ps.  cxv.  1. 


192  THE  TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

“ Pray  only  that  thine  aching  heart, 

From  visions  vain  content  to  part, 

Strong  for  love’s  sake  its  woe  to  hide 
May  cheerful  wait  the  cross  beside, 

Too  happy  if,  that  dreadful  day, 

Thy  life  be  given  thee  for  a prey.” 

Kehle, 

THE  TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  always 
more  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art  wont 
to  give  more  than  either  we  desire  or  deserve  ; Pour 
down  upon  us  tlie  abundance  of  thy  mercy ; forgiv- 
ing us  those  things  whereof  our  conscience  is  afraid, 
and  giving  us  those  good  things  which  we  are  not 
worthy  to  ask,  but  through  the  merits  and  mediation 
of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle,  2 Cor.  iii.  4t.—The  Gospel,  St.  Mark  vii.  31. 

1.  Q.  Is  God  as  willing  to  hear  our  prayers  as  we  are 
to  ask  ? 

A.  Yes ; He  is  more  ready  and  willing. 

2.  Q.  Are  not  men  always  ready  to  pray  for  what 
they  need  ? 

A.  No ; because  they  think  that  it  is  useless  to 
pray. 

3.  Q.  Does  God  daily  show  his  disposition  to  have 
mercy  on  us  ? 

A.  Ps.  Ixviii.  19. 

4.  Q.  Does  Christ  promise  to  answer  prayer  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  7.  • 

1.  Q.  How  great  does  the  Collect  say  God’s  mercies 
are  ? 


THE  TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  193 


A.  Greater  than  we  can  ask  or  deserve. 

2.  Q.  Does  not  man  deserve  the  mercies  of  God  ? 

A.  By  his  sin  man  has  forfeited  all  right  to  God’s 
mercy. 

3.  Q.  How  must  we  ask  for  God’s  mercy  ? 

A.  St,  Jas.  i.  6. 

4-.  Q.  What  should  men  learn  from  God’s  goodness? 

A.  1 Tim.  vi.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  must  we  always  remember  in  our  prayers? 
A.  To  ask  God’s  forgiveness  for  our  sins. 

2.  Q.  If  we  ask  this  in  a true  spirit  what  will  we  feel  ? 
A.  A strong  purpose  of  forsaking  sin  by  God’s 

help. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Daniel  say  belongs  to  God? 

A.  Dan.  ix.  9. 

4.  Q.  Does  our  forgiveness  depend  on  our  confession 

of  sin? 

A.  1 St.  John  i.  9. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Christ  show  his  mercy  in  the  Gospel? 
A.  By  causing  the  deaf  and  dumb  man  to  hear  and 

speak. 

2.  Q.  What  did  the  sigh  of  our  Saviour  before  heal- 

ing him  signify  ? 

A.  It  was  an  evidence  of  his  human  sympathy. 

3.  Q.  What  other  instances  can  you  mention  where 

our  Saviour  expressed  his  sympathy  ? 

A.  St.  John  xi.  33,  35. 

4.  Q.  What  consolation  for  sinners  does  St.  Paul  draw 

from  this  human  sympathy  of  our  blessed 
Eedeemer  ? 

ir 


194  THE  TWELFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  Heb.  iv.  15. 

1.  Q.  For  the  forgiveness  of  what  sins  do  we  espe- 

cially ask  ? 

A.  “Those  things  of  which  our  conscience  is 
afraid.” 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  sins  ? 

A.  Those  which  the  Holy  Ghost  convinces  us  are 
deserving  of  punishment. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  of  sin  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  V.  17. 

4.  Q.  Is  there  any  sin  so  great  that  God  will  not  for- 

give it  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xii.  10. 

1.  Q.  How  is  sin  pardoned  ? 

A.  Through  the  sacrifice  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ. 

2.  Q.  Did  Christ  give  power  to  his  ministers  to  pro- 

nounce the  pardon  of  sinners  ? 

A.  Yes ; the  Priest  may  declare  on  the  authority 
of  Christ,  that  true  penitent  sinners  are  par- 
doned. 

3.  Q.  Where  did  Christ  give  this  authority  ? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  23. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  power  could  be  con- 

ferred by  the  Apostles  to  their  successors  ? 

A.  St.  John  x^.  21. 

1.  Q.  Can  men  forgive  sins  of  themselves? 

A.  Ho  ; God  only  can  forgive  sins. 

2.  Q.  How  then  can  the  Priests  of  the  Church  pro-  - 

claim  forgiveness  ? 

A.  They  declare  it  in  Christ’s  name,  acting  for  Him. 


THIllTEENTII  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


195 


3.  Q.  In  wliat  part  of  the  Church  service  is  this 

power  used  ? 

A.  After  each  of  the  confessions. 

4.  Q.  What  is  it  called? 

A.  “ The  declaration  of  absolution  or  remission  of 
sins.” 

1.  Q.  How  does  the  Christian  feel  when  he  asks  God’s 

forgiveness  ? 

A.  As  if  he  hardly  dare  to  ask  for  His  mercy. 

2.  Q.  Why  do  we  feel  thus  fearful  ? 

A.  Because  of  our  unworthiness  and  sinfulness. 

3.  Q.  Are  the  merits  of  Christ  sufficient  without  any 

merit  of  our  own  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  i.  7. 

4.  Q.  What  does  the  Apostle  therefore  conclude  ? 

A.  Eph.  iii.  12. 


“The  deaf  may  hear  the  Saviour’s  voice, 

The  fetter’d  tongue  its  chains  may  break  ; 

But  the  deaf  heart,  the  dumb  by  choice, 

The  laggard  soul,  that  will  not  wake. 

The  guilt  that  scorns  to  be  forgiven ; 

These  baffle  e’en  the  spells  of  heaven ; 

In  thought  of  them  his  brows  benign 
Not  even  in  healing  cloudless  shine.” 

KeUe. 

THE  THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY  xVFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect. 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  of  whose  only  gift  it 
cometh  that  thy  faithful  people  do  unto  thee  true 
and  laudable  service  ; Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we 


196  THIIITEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

may  so  faitlifully  serve  thee  in  this  life,  that  we  fail 
not  finally  to  attain  thy  heavenly  promises ; through 
the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

Tilt  Exnstlc.  Gal.  iii.  IQ.— The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  x.  23. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  young  man  in  the  gospel  wish  to 

know  ? 

A.  What  to  do  to  inherit  eternal  life. 

2.  Q.  Where  did  Christ  tell  him  he  could  find  out? 

A.  In  “ the  book  of  the  law.” 

3.  Q.  What  is  meant  by  “ the  book  of  the  law  ? ” 

A.  The  first  five  books  of  the  Old  Testament. 

4.  Q.  Had  God  promised  salvation  to  those  who  were 

obedient  to  the  law  ? 

A.  Ezek.  xviii.  27. 

1.  Q.  What  does  “the  law”  say  that  men  should  do? 
A.  Love  God  with  all  their  hearts,  and  their  neigh- 
bours as  themselves. 

2.  Q.  Is  the  Christian  bound  by  this  law  as  the  Jews? 
A.  Yes;  as  the  gospel  for  to-day  is  designed  to 

show. 

3.  Q.  What  induces  us  to  love  God  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iv.  19. 

4.  Q.  Will  love  to  our  neighbour  follow  our  love  to 

God? 

A.  1 St.  John  iv.  20. 

1.  Q.  Did  Christ  say  that  this  was  enough  ? 

A,  Yes  ; He  said  “ This  do  and  thou  shalt  live.” 

2.  Q.  What  had  our  Saviour  said  before  in  reference 

to  these  laws  of  love  to  God  and  our  neigh- 
bour ? 


THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  197 


A.  That  on  these  hung  all  the  law  and  the  Proph- 
ets. 

3.  Q.  How  many  have  kept  the  whole  law  ? 

A.  Kom.  iii.  23. 

4.  Q.  How  then  can  we  live,  if  we  have  broken  the 

law  ? 

A.  Gal.  iii.  13. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  young  lawyer  next  ask? 

A.  Who  was  his  neighbour  ? 

2.  Q.  How  did  Christ  reply  to  him? 

A.  By  relating  the  story  of  the  man  who  fell  among 
thieves. 

3.  Q.  Why  did  the  lawyer  ask  this  question  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  X.  29. 

4.  Q.  What  had  the  young  man  probably  done  which 

Christ  afterwards  reproved  lawyers  in  gen- 
eral for  doing ! 

A.  St.  Luke  xi.  46. 

1.  Q.  Who  passed  by  the  wounded  man  ? 

A.  A Priest  and  a Levite. 

2.  Q.  In  what  consisted  their  sin? 

A.  The  omission  of  rendering  him  assistance. 

8.  Q.  Where  does  Christ  denounce  sins  of  omission 
as  being  violations  of  the  law  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XXV.  45. 

4.  Q.  Did  the  Priest  and  Levite  violate  their  own  law? 
A.  Deut.  XV.  11. 

1.  Q.  Who  was  it  that  showed  compassion  to  the  poor 
man  ? 

17* 


198  THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  A Samaritan? 

2.  Q.  What  made  the  action  of  the  Samaritan  more 

praiseworthy  ? 

A.  That  the  man  who  fell  among  thieves  was  prob- 
ably a Jew. 

3.  Q.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  the  Samaritans  ? 

A.  Sr.  John  iv.  9. 

4.  Q.  What  was  one  of  the  accusations  of  the  Jews 

against  Christ? 

A.  St.  John  viii.  48. 

1.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  ask  the  young  man? 

A.  Which  of  them  was  the  true  neighbour. 

2.  Q.  What  did  he  answer  ? 

A.  That  the  Samaritan  was. 

3.  Q.  On  what  fact  did  he  base  his  conclusion  ? 

A.  On  the  fact  that  the  Samaritan  showed  mercy 
to  the  poor  man. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  tell  the  young  lawyer  to 

do? 

A.  St.  Luke  X.  37,  last  clause. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  in  this  story? 

A.  Our  duty  in  showing  kindness  to  our  neighbours. 

2.  Q.  How  can  we  do  this  ? 

A.  By  speaking  kindly  as  well  as  by  rendering 
them  all  the  assistance  in  our  power. 

3.  Q.  Can  we  keep  the  law  without  this  charity  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iii.  17. 

4.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  benevolence? 

A.  St.  Luke  vn  35. 


FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  199 


“ 0,  may  we  love  each  other,  Lord, 

As  we  are  loved  of  Thee ! 

For  none  are  truly  born  of  God, 
Who  live  in  enmity. 

So  shall  the  vain  contentious  world 
Our  peaceful  lives  approve ; 

And  wondering  say,  as  they  of  old, 

‘ See  how  these  Christians  love.’  ” 


THE  FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect, 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  give  unto  us  the 
increase  of  faith,  hope,  and  charity ; and,  that  we 
may  obtain  that  which  thou  dost  promise,  make  us  to 
love  that  which  thou  dost  command ; through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Gal.  v.  IQ.— The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xvii.  11. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  in  the  Collect  for  to-day  ? 

A.  The  necessity  of  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity. 

2.  Q.  Are  these  three  virtues  inseparable  ? 

A.  Yes  ; for  Faith  teaches  us  while  Hope  gives  us 
confidence  to  do  what  Charity  inspires. 

8.  Q.  Who  is  it  that  makes  these  virtues  increase  or 
grow  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  iii.  7. 

4.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  illustrate  this  truth  by 
the  vine  and  its  branches? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  is  faith  ? 

A.  A belief  in  that  which  God  has  told  us  in  the 
Bible. 


200  FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

2.  Q.  How  has  the  Church  collected  the  chief  points 

of  hiith  ? 

A.  In  the  Apostles*  and  Nicene  creeds. 

3.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  describe  faith  ? 

A.  Heb.  xi.  1. 

4.  Q.  What  duty  are  we  earnestly  exhorted  to  per- 

form ? 

A.  St.  Judo  3. 

1.  Q.  What  is  hope? 

A.  Confidence  in  the  blessed  promises  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  promises  ? 

A.  God’s  gifts  and  helps  in  this  world,  and  ever- 
lasting life  in  the  world  to  come. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Jeremiah  say  of  him  whose  hope  is 

in  the  Lord  ? 

A.  Jer.  xvii.  7. 

4.  Q.  Must  we  be  true  Christians  in  order  that  our 

hope  will  be  realized  ? 

A.  Job  viii.  13. 

1.  Q.  What  does  the  word  Charity  mean  here  ? 

A.  Love,  which  should  be  the  mainspring  of  all 
our  actions. 

2.  Q.  Cannot  we  keep  God’s  commandments  without 

loving  them? 

A.  It  is  very  difficult  for  us  to  do  our  duty  unless 
we  are  impelled  by  love. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  that  Charity  will  do  ? 
A.  1 St.  Peter  iv.  8. 

4.  Q.  Which  of  these  three  virtues  does  St.  Paul  say 

is  the  greatest? 


FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  201 


A.  1 Cor.  xiii.  13. 

1.  Q.  AVho  were  said  to  approach  our  Lord  iu  the 

gospel  ? 

A.  Ten-  men  who  were  lepers. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  disease  represent? 

A.  Sin  is  the  shocking  leprosy  of  the  Soul. 

3.  Q.  How  "was  leprosy  cleansed  under  the  law  ? 

A.  Head  Levit.  xiv.  2-9. 

4.  Q.  How  are  the  diseases  of  the  soul  cleansed? 

A.  1 St.  John  i.  7. 

1.  Q.  Did  Christ  know  w^hat  was  the  matter  with 

these  men  ? 

A.  Yes ; as  he  knows  all  things. 

2.  Q.  What  was  our  Saviour  in  the  habit  of  doing? 

A.  Healing  the  diseases  of  men’s  bodies  as  well  as 

those  of  their  souls. 

3.  Q.  Does  God  know  all  our  wants  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  8. 

4.  Q.  Does  God  require  us  to  pray,  nevertheless? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  7. 

1.  Q.  Why  did  Christ  send  these  lepers  to  the  Priests? 
A.  To  try  their  faith. 

2.  Q.  How  did  this  try  their  faith? 

A.  Because  the  law  had  provided  for  the  cleansing 
of  the  leper. 

8.  Q.  Can  you  give  an  example  where  Christ  re- 
quired a sick  man  to  exercise  faith  before  ho 
was  cured  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  ii.  11. 


202  FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFl'EK  TRINITY, 


4.  Q.  How  did  the  Prophet  Elisha  try  the  feith  of 
Haaman  ? 

A.  2 Kings  v.  10. 

1.  Q.  How  many  of  the  lepers  thanked  Christ  for  his 

mercy  ? 

A.  Only  one,  and  he  was  a Samaritan. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  show  ? 

A.  The  indisposition  of  man  to  thank  God  for  his 
mercies. 

3.  Q.  Did  Isaiah  recognize  the  duty  of  giving  thanks 

to  God  for  his  goodness  ? 

A.  Isaiah  xxxviii.  20. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Esaias  say  of  the  mission  of  Christ  ? 
A.  St.  Matt.  viii.  IT. 


“ Give  to  the  winds  thy  fears ; 

Hope,  and  be  undismayed  ; 

God  hears  thy  sighs  and  counts  thy  tears, 
God  shall  lift  up  thy  head  : 

Through  waves  and  clouds  and  storms, 

He  gently  clears  thy  way ; 

Wait  thou  his  time,  so  shall  this  night 
Soon  end  in  joyous  day.” 

GerliardL 


THE  FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TKINITY. 

The  Collect, 

Keep,  we  beseech  thee,  0 Lord,  thy  Church  with 
thy  perpetual  mercy:  and  because  the  frailty  of 
man  without  thee  cannot  but  fall,  keep  us  ever  by  thy 
help  from  all  things  hurtful,  and  lead  us  to  all  things 
profitable  to  our  salvation,  through  Jesijs  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Gal.  vi.  11.— 7’Ae  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  vi.  24. 


FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  203 


1.  Q.  What  do  we  ask  God  to  preserve? 

A.  His  Church  with  His  mercy. 

2.  Q.  By  what  name  is  the  Church  called  in  Scripture 

which  proves  Christ’s  love  for  it? 

A.  The  Bride  of  Christ. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  of  those  who  are  faithful 

in  His  Church  ? 

A.  1.  St.  Peter  ii.  5. 

4.  Q.  Did  Christ  promise  to  be  with  His  Church  for- 

ever ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  20. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  true  Church  ? 

A.  The  Church  which  Christ  himself  appointed  andl 
of  which  He  is  the  head. 

2.  Q.  What  does  the  19th  article  of  our  religion  say 

the  visible  Church  of  Christ  is? 

A.  ‘‘A  congregation  of  faithful  men  in  which  the 
pure  Word  of  God  is  preached,  and  the  Sacra- 
ments duly  ministered  according  to  Christ’s 
ordinance.” 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  call  the  Church  ? 

A.  1 Tim.  hi.  15. 

4.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  of  the  stability  of  His 

Church  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xvi.  18. 

1.  Q.  Who  have  the  right  to  minister  in  Christ’s 

Church? 

A.  Those  who  have  been  ordained  according  to 
Christ’s  appointment. 

2.  Q.  How  many  orders  of  ministers  are  there  ? 


204  FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  Three  ; Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons. 

8.  Q.  How  long  is  it  since  men  presumed  to  preach 
without  apostolic  ordination  ? 

A.  About  300  years  ago,  when  some  few  men  denied 
the  necessity  of  ordination. 

4.  Q.  Who  had  always  ordained  the  clergy  before  this 
time  ? 

A.  For  1,500  years  after  Christ,  the  Bishops  had 
always  ordained  the  clergy,  and  no  one  else 
pretended  to  have  this  power. 

1.  Q.  Will  membership  of  the  Church  prevent  our 

human  weakness  ? 

A.  No;  we  are  all  weak  and  liable  to  fall. 

2.  Q.  What  will  the  frailty  of  man  lead  him  to  do  ? 

A.  To  commit  sin  unless  prevented  by  God’s  grace. 

3.  Q.  Are  not  the  best  of  us  prone  to  sin? 

A.  St.  Jas.  iii.  2. 

4.  Q.  What  are  we  exhorted  to  do? 

A.  Gal.  V.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  therefore  do  you  pray  for  in  the  collect? 
A.  That  God  will  preserve  us  from  all  hurtful 

things. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  things  hurtful? 

A.  All  those  things  which  may  pollute  the  soul  and 
lend  us  into  sin. 

3.  Q.  Is  this  assistance  promised  ? 

A.  2 Thess.  iii.  8. 

4.  Q.  How  will  God  preserve  those  who  call  on  Him 

for  aid  ? 

A.  Ps.  xxxi.  20. 


FIFTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  205 


1.  Q.  What  hurtful  thing  does  our  Saviour  warn  us 

against  in  the  gospel  ? 

A.  The  love  of  riches. 

2.  Q.  Why  cannot  we  love  riches  and  Christ  at  the 

same  time  ? 

A.  Because  no  man  can  serve  two  masters. 

3.  Q.  What  being  alone  should  we  serve  and  worship  ^ 
A.  St.  Matt.  iv.  10. 

4.  Q.  How  did  Christ  tell  us  to  serve  Him? 

A.  St.  John  xii.  26. 

1.  Q.  How  did  our  Saviour  express  this  truth  ? 

A.  “ Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  Mammon.” 

2.  Q.  What  is  Mammon  ? 

A.  A Syriac  name  for  the  God  of  riches. 

3.  Q.  What  did  our  Saviour  say  of  those  who  trusted 

in  riches? 

A.  St.  Mark  x.  24. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  the  love  of  riches? 

A.  1 Tim.  vi.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  then  must  we  first  seek  ? 

A.  The  kingdom  of  God  and  His  righteousness. 

2.  Q.  What  is  promised  if  we  do  this? 

A.  All  that  is  necessary  for  our  "welfare  will  be 
given  us.  • 

3.  Q.  What  are  the  rich  apt  to  do  ? 

A.  1 Tim.  vi.  9. 

4.  Q.  What  treasures  are  we  told  to  lay  up  for  our- 

selves? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  20. 


18 


206  SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

“ Lord,  it  belongs  not  to  my  care, 

Whether  I die  or  live ; 

To  love  and  serve  Thee  is  my  share, 

And  this  Thy  grace  must  give. 

My  knowledge  of  that  life  is  small, 

The  eye  of  faith  is  dim  ; 

But  His  enough  that  Christ  knows  all, 

And  I shall  be  with  Him.’^ 

Baxter. 


THE  SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect. 

0LORD,  we  beseech  thee,  let  thy  continual  pity 
cleanse  and.  defend  thy  Church ; and,  because  it 
cannot  continue  in  safety  without  thy  succour,  preserve 
it  evermore  by  thy  help  and  goodness;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Ephcs.  iii.  IZ.—  The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  vii.  11. 

1.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  God’s  cleansing  His 
Church  ? 

A.  That  all  error  may  be  taken  from  Her  and  her 
members. 

2.  Q.  How  has  error  ever  crept  into  the  Church  ? 

A.  Through  the  pride  and  ignorance  of  her  officers. 

3.  Q.  How  does  Christ  cleanse  His  Church? 

A.  Eph.  V.  26. 

4.  Q.  Will  God  have  respect  to  the  people  of  His 
ancient,  or  Jewish  Church? 

A.  Jer.  xxxii.  37,  38. 

1.  Q.  In  what  should  the  Church  continue  steadfast? 

A.  In  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible. 

2.  Q.  How  do  you  know  what  these  doctrines  are  \ 


SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTEE  TEINITY.  207 


A.  They  have  been  settled  by  the  Councils  of  the 
Church  Catholic. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  we  should  not  interpret 

the  Bible  for  ourselves  ? 

A.  2 St.  Pet.  i.  20. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  Church  is  the  propel 

interpreter  of  Scripture  ? 

A.  1 Tim.  iii.  15. 

1.  Q.  In  what  else  should  we  remain  steadfast? 

A.  In  the  fellowship  of  the  Apostles. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  fellowship  ? 

A.  It  is  the  succession  of  the  ministry  through  the 
unbroken  line  of  the  Bishops. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  fellowship  traced  back  to  Christ  ? 
A.  1 St.  John  i.  3. 

4.  Q.  Did  the  early  Christians  remain  steadfast  in  this 

fellowship  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  42. 

1.  Q.  In  what  practice  should  the  Church  be  stead- 

fast ? 

A.  In  the  breaking  of  bread. 

2.  Q.  To  what  Sacrament  does  this  refer  ? 

A.  The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper,  which  to 
the  faithful  is  the  bread  of  life. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  John  say  is  the  bread  of  life  ? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  33. 

4.  Q.  What  is  shown  forth  in  the  Sacrament  of  the 

Lord’s  Supper  ? 

A.  1 Cor.  xi.  26. 

1.  Q.  How  can  the  Church  be  preserved  in  purity  ? 


208  SIXTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY* 

A.  By  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  prayer. 

2.  Q.  What  prayer  does  this  mean  ? 

A.  The  common  united  prayer  of  God’s  people. 

3.  Q.  What  example  have  we  of  public  prayer? 

A.  St.  Luke  i.  10. 

4.  Q.  What  prayer  did  our  Saviour  leave  us  which 

sanctions  the  use  of  liturgies  ? 

A.  “ Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,”  &c. 

1.  Q.  What  miracle  did  Christ  work,  by  which  He 

showed  His  sympathy  for  individuals  in  His 
Church  ? 

A.  He  raised  the  widow’s  son  from  the  dead. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  prove  ? 

A.  That  Christ  had  the  power  of  God  to  give  life. 

3.  Q.  Why  should  the  wicked  fear  the  resurrection  ? 
A.  Dan.  xii.  2. 

4.  Q.  Unto  what  shall  we  be  raised  ? 

A.  St.  John  V.  29. 

1.  Q.  How  does  Christ  show  this  same  mercy  now  ? 
A.  By  raising  us  from  the  death  of  sin. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  show  ? 

A.  That  Christ  has  the  power  of  God  to  forgive 
ein. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  truth  affirmed  ? 

A.  Eph.  ii.  1. 

4.  Q.  If  we  rise  from  sin,  shall  we  die  again? 

A.  Kom.  vi.  7-9. 

1.  Q.  What  effect  had  this  miracle  on  the  people  ? 

A.  To  prove  that  Christ  was  that  true  Prophet. 

2.  Q.  What  did  it  cause  them  to  do  ? 


SEVENTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  209 


A.  To  glorify  God,  and  to  acknowledge  Christ  as 
God. 

8.  Q.  Had  they  expected  this  great  Prophet  ? 

A.  Dent,  xviii.  15. 

4.  Q.  What  was  the  prophecy  of  Zacharias? 

A.  St.  Luke  i.  68,  69. 


“ The  dearest  offering  we  can  crave, 

His  portion  in  our  souls  to  prove, 

What  is  it  to  the  gift  He  gave, 

The  ouly  Son  of  His  dear  love  ? 

Lovest  thou  praise  ? the  cross  is  shame  ; 

Or  ease  ? the  cross  is  bitter  grief ; 

More  pangs  than  tongue  or  heart  can  frame 
Were  suffered  then  without  relief.” 

Kehle. 

THE  SEVENTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect, 

Lord,  we  pray  thee  that  thy  grace  may  always  pre- 
vent and  follow  us,  and  make  us  continually  to  he 
given  to  all  good  works ; through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Ephes.  iv.  1. — The  Gospel.  St.  Luke  xiv.  1. 

1.  Q.  How  do  we  ask  for  the  grace  of  God? 

A.  That  it  may  “ prevent  and  follow  ” us. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  mean  ? 

A.  That  God’s  grace  may  “ go  before  us  ” and  keep 
us  steadfast  in  our  purpose. 

3.  Q.  Is  this  grace  of  the  Spirit  necessary  ? 

A.  Heb.  xii.  28. 

4.  Q.  May  we  obtain  this  grace  by  asking  ? 

18* 


210  SEVENTEEJSTII  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  Heb.  iv.  1C. 

1.  Q.  For  what  purpose  do  you  ask  for  this  grace  ? 

A.  That  it  may  dispose,  us  to  good  works. 

2.  Q.  Cannot  we  do  any  thing  that  is  right  without 

the  help  of  God  ? 

A.  No  ; one  of  the  Collects  tells  us  we  cannot  even 
think  what  is  right  without  him. 

3.  Q.  What  proof  have  we  that  God  gives  us  this 

proper  disposition  ? 

A.  Phil.  ii.  13. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  expected  to  do  good  works  ? 

A.  Eph.  ii.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  therefore  is  necessary  for  the  Christian 

besides  faith  ? 

A.  That  he  should  also  be  given  to  good  works. 

2.  Q.  Can  a person  have  true  faith  without  works  ? 

A.  No ; works  are  the  natural  offspring  of  faith. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  on  this  subject  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  ii.  26. 

4.  Q.  What  does  he  say  of  simple  faith,  which  proves 

that  without  works  it  is  useless  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  ii.  19. 

1.  Q.  What  good  work  of  Christ  is  recorded  in  the 

gospel  ? 

A.  The  healing  of  the  man  who  had  the  dropsy. 

2.  Q.  When  was  this  good  work  performed  ? 

A.  On  the  Sabbath. 

8#  Q.  Did  the  Jews  think  that  it  was  wrong  to  heal 
on  the  Sabbath  day  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xiii.  14. 


SEVENTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  211 


4.  Q. 


A. 

1.  Q. 
A. 

2.  Q. 
A. 


‘ 3.  Q. 
A. 
4.  Q. 

A. 

1.  Q. 

A. 

2.  Q. 
A. 

8.  Q. 

A. 
4.  Q. 

A. 
1.  Q. 
A. 


IIow  did  Christ  show  that  there  were  excep- 
tions in  favour  of  works  of  mercy  on  the 
Sabbath  ? 

St.  Luke  xiv.  5. 

How  must  these  good  works  be  done  ? 

In  a spirit  of  humility. 

What  do  you  mean  by  this  ? 

We  must  do  our  good  works,  not  as  if  it  were 
a merit  in  us,  but  as  a duty  which  we  can 
only  imperfectly  perform. 

How  does  St.  Paul  tell  us  to  work  ? 

Eph.  iv.  2. 

What  should  make  us  anxious  and  careful  to  do 
our  work  well  ? 

Eccles.  xii.  14. 

W^hat  did  our  Saviour  say  we  should  do  when 
invited  to  positions  of  honour  ? 

We  should  take  the  lowest  place. 

Why  should  we  do  this  ? 

Because  there  may  be  more  honourable  men  in- 
vited who  deserve  to  sit  above  us. 

What  did  cur  blessed  Lord  say  that  we  should 
do  if  we  would  be  exalted  ? 

St.  Matt,  xxiii.  12. 

What  did  Christ  say  to  those  disciples  who  de- 
sired to  be  greatest  in  his  kingdom  ? 

St.  Matt.  XX.  27. 

What  one  thing  are  we  exhorted  to  do  ? 

To  “keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace.” 


212  EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AETER  TRINITY. 

2.  Q.  How  are  we  to  do  this  ? 

A.  By  loving  each  other,  by  which  we  will  feel  like 
bearing  with  each  other. 

3.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  say  that  we  should  treat  each 

other  ? 

A.  Eph.  iv.  32. 

4.  Q.  If  we  would  “ keep  the  bond  of  peace  ” what 

else  must  we  do  ? 

A.  Heb.  xiii.  17. 

1.  Q.  What  “ bond  ” should  keep  us  united? 

A.  The  “ one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism.” 

2.  Q.  How  are  we  thus  united  to  Christ  ? 

A.  By  faith,  in  baptism  we  are  united  to  our  Lord. 

3.  Q.  Are  we  all  by  baptism  members  of  the  body  of 

Christ? 

A.  Kora.  xii.  5. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  the  Church  called  the  body  of  Christ! 
A.  Col.  i.  18. 


“ Soul,  then  know  thy  full  salvation, 

Rise  o’er  sin,  and  fear,  and  care ; 

Joy  to  find  in  every  station 
Something  still  to  do  or  bear. 

Think  what  Spirit  dwells  within  thee  ; 

Think  what  Father’s  smiles  are  thine  ; 

Think  that  Jesus  died  to  win  thee ; 

Child  of  heaven,  canst  thou  repine  ? ” 

Lyte, 

THE  EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect. 

Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  grant  thy  people  grace  to 
withstand  the  temptations  of  the  world,  the  flesh, 


EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  213 


and  the  devil ; and  with  pure  hearts  and  minds  to  fol- 
low thee,  the  only  God;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epislle.  The  Gospel,  St,  Matt.  xxii.  34. 

1.  Q.  What  are  the  three  great  enemies  of  the  Chris- 

tian ? 

A.  “The  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.” 

2.  Q.  What  did  you  promise  at  baptism  in  reference 

to  them  ? 

A.  “I  renounce  them  all;  and  by  God’s  help  will 
not  follow  nor  be  led  by  them.” 

3.  Q.  What  is  said  of  the  man  who  resists  these  temp- 

tations ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  i.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  are  we  required  to  do,  in  order  to  success- 

fully resist  them  ? 

A.  Eph.  vi.  13. 

1.  Q.  How  does  the  world  tempt  us  ? 

A.  By  its  allurements  and  pleasures. 

2.  Q.  What  are  some  of  the  chief  temptations  of  the 

world  ? 

A.  Eiches,  honours,  pleasures,  and  evil  compan- 
ions. 

3.  Q.  What  does  Christ  say  of  the  world  ? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  19. 

4.  Q.  Are  we  warned  against  the  danger  of  loving  the 

world  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  ii.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  do  you  understand  by  the  flesh  ? 

A.  Our  own  corrupt  and  sinful  natures. 


214  EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTEE  TKINITY. 


2.  Q.  What  are  the  temptations  of  the  flesh  ? 

A.  Sloth,  idleness,  luxury,  indulgence,  intemper- 
ance in  any  thing. 

8.  Q.  Against  what  does  the  flesh  make  war  ? 

A.  Gahv.  17. 

4.  Q.  What  will  those  who  are  Christ’s  do  ? 

A.  Gal.  V.  24. 

1.  Q.  Who  is  the  Devil?  . 

A.  He  is  the  Spirit  of  all  evil,  cast  out  of  heaven  for 
rebellion  against  God. 

2.  Q.  What  does  the  devil  strive  to  put  into  our 

hearts  ? 

A.  Pride,  malice,  envy,  unbelief,  lying,  and  all  un- 
holy passions. 

8.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  the  devil  does  ? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  V.  8. 

4.  Q.  Can  these  temptations  of  the  devil  be  success- 
fully resisted  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  iv.  7. 

1.  Q.  How  may  all  these  temptations  be  resisted? 

A.  By  the  grace  of  God. 

2.  Q.  How  is  this  grace  to  be  obtained  ? 

A.  By  humbly  praying  for  God’s  assistance. 

3.  Q.  Will  our  temptations  be  greater  than  we  can 

bear? 

A.  1 Cor.  X.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  spirit  must  we  have  in  order  to  obtain 

this  grace  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  iv.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  is  our  first  duty  ? 


EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  215 


A.  To  love  God  with  all  our  hearts. 

2.  Q.  What  does  the  Catechism  say  your  duty  to  God 
is  ? 

A.  To  believe  in  Him,  to  fear  Him,  and  to  love  Him 
with  all  my  heart,  with  all  my  mind,  with 
all  my  soul,  and  with  all  my  strength ; to 
worship  Him;  to  give  Him  thanks;  to  put 
my  whole  trust  in  Him  ; to  call  upon  Him ; to 
honour  His  Holy  Name  and  His  Word  ; and 
to  serve  Him  truly  all  the  days  of  my  life.” 

B,  Q.  Is  this  law  also  found  in  the  Jewish  Code  ? 

A.  Deut.  vi.  5. 

4.  Q.  Why  is  this  the  first  and  great  commandment  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  iv.  7,  8. 

1.  Q.  What  is  our  second  duty? 

A.  To  love  our  fellow  men. 

2.  Q.  How  does  the  Catechism  explain  this  duty  ? 

A.  ‘‘  To  love  him  as  myself,  and  to  do  unto  all  men 
as  I would  they  should  do  unto  me ; to  love, 
honour,  and  succour  my  father  and  mother; 
to  honour  and  obey  the  civil  authority ; to 
submit  myself  to  all  my  governors,  teachers, 
spiritual  pastors,  and  masters ; to  order  my- 
self lowly  and  reverently  to  all  my  betters ; 
to  hurt  nobody  by  word  or  deed ; to  be  true 
and  just  in  all  my  dealings ; to  bear  no  malice 
nor  hatred  in  my  heart ; to  keep  my  hands 
from  picking  and  stealing,  and  my  tongue 
from  evil  speaking,  lying,  and  slandering  ; to 
keep  my  body  in  temperance,  soberness,  and 


216  EIGHTEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

chastity  ; not  to  covet  nor  desire  other  men’s 
goods ; but  to  learn  and  labour  truly  to  get 
mine  own  living,  and  to  do  my  duty  in  that 
state  of  life  unto  which  it  shall  please  God  to 
call  me.” 

8.  Q.  Where  in  the  law  is  this  commandment  record- 
ed ? 

A.  Levit.  xix.  18. 

4.  Q.  What  was  our  Saviour’s  rule  of  action  towards 
our  neighbour  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  12. 

1.  Q.  What  is  said  of  those  who  truly  keep  these  two 

commandments  ? 

A.  They  have  fulfilled  the  law. 

2.  Q.  What  does  this  mean  ? 

A.  That  they  include  every  virtue  which  a Chris- 
tian should  possess. 

3.  Q.  Is  keeping  these  commandments  better  than  sac- 

rifice ? 

A.  1 Sam.  XV.  22. 

4.  Q.  Where  is  this  affirmed  in  the  Gospel  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xii.  33. 


“ Weak  tremblers  on  the  edge  of  woe, 
Yet  shrinking  from  true  bliss, 

Our  rest  must  b^e  ‘ no  rest  below,’ 
And  let  our  prayer  be  this : 

Lord,  wave  again  Thy  chast’ning  rod, 
Till  every  idol  throne 
Crumble  to  dust,  and  Thou,  0 God, 
Reign  in  our  hearts  alone.” 


Kehle, 


NINETEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  217 


THE  NINETEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect. 

0GOD,  forasmncli  as  without  thee  we  are  not  able 
to  please  thee ; Mercifully  grant  that  thy  Holy 
Spirit  may  in  all  things  direct  and  rule  our  hearts; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Eplies.  iv.  17. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  is.  1. 

1.  Q.  Are  we  able  to  please  God  of  ourselves? 

A.  hTo  ; we  must  be  assisted  by  His  grace. 

2.  Q.  What  prevents  us  from  pleasing  God  ? 

A.  The  influence  of  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the 
devil. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Paul  say  of  those  who  are  mthe 
flesh  ? 

A.  Rom.  viii.  8. 

4.  Q.  Does  Christ  say  that  we  can  do  nothing  without 
Him  ? 

A.  St.  John  XV.  5. 

1 . Q.  How  must  we  walk  so  as  to  please  God  ? 

A.  Not  as  other  Gentiles  walk. 

2.  Q.  How  did  these  other  Gentiles  walk  ? 

A.  In  the  vanity  of  their  minds,  being  blindec 
through  ignorance. 

8.  Q.  Is  ignorance  an  excuse  for  sin  now  ? 

A.  Acts  xvii.  30. 

4.  Q.  Why  have  we  no  excuse  ? 

A.  Eph.  iv.  20,  21. 

1.  Q.  What  is  it  necessary  that  we  should  be? 

A.  We  must  be  renewed  or  born  again. 

19 


218  NINETEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


2.  Q.  How  are  we  first  renewed  ? 

A.  By  the  waters  of  baptism. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  new  birth  refers  to 

baptism. 

A.  St.  John  iii.  5. 

4.  Q.  What  action  of  the  Apostles  shows  that  they 

thus  understood  the  nature  of  baptism  ? 

A.  Acts  ii.  38. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  guarded  against  in  the  Epistle  ? 

A.  The  improper  use  of  the  tongue  ? 

2.  Q.  What  is  it  that  should  alone  proceed  out  of  the 

mouth  ? 

A.  That  which  is  good  and  profitable  to  be  heard. 

3.  Q.  What  does  David  advise  us? 

A.  Ps.  xxxiv.  13. 

4.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  of  him  that  bridleth 

not  his  tongue  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  i.  26. 

1.  Q.  What  is  the  best  way  to  prevent  evil  speaking? 
A.  To  keep  our  hearts  from  anger. 

2.  Q.  What  rule  is  given  us  in  reference  to  anger? 

A.  ‘‘  Let  not  the  sun  go  down  upon  your  wrath.” 

•3.  Q.  What  is  said  of  those  who  permit  anger  to 
abide  with  them  ? 

A.  Eccles.  vii.  9. 

-4.  Q.  What  therefore  will  the  Christian  do  ? 

A.  Col.  iii.  8. 

1.  Q.  How  did  Christ  prove  his  ability  to  bestow 
grace  ? 

A.  By  healing  the  man  sick  of  the  palsy. 


IS'INETEENTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  219 


2.  Q.  Of  what  was  this  liealing  typical? 

A.  Of  the  power  of  Christ  to  forgive  sins. 

3.  Q.  How  do  you  know  that  this  is  the  true  inter- 

pretation ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  ix.  5. 

1.  Q.  Where  is  sin  represented  under  the  figure  of 
sickness  ? 

A.  Isaiah  i.  5,  6. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  Scribes  say  of  this  act  of  our 

blessed  Lord  ? 

A.  That  Christ  blasphemed. 

2.  Q.  What  is  blasphemy  ? 

A.  Taking  God’s  Holy  name  in  vain,  or  assuming 
any  of  the  attributes  or  powers  of  God  ? 

3.  Q.  Why  did  they  think  that  our  Saviour  blasphemed 

in  this  instance  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  ii.  7. 

4.  Q.  What  purpose  besides  the  mercy  to  the  sick  man, 

did  Christ  have  in  working  this  miracle  ? 

A,  St.  Matt.  ix.  6. 

1.  Q.  What  effect  had  this  miracle  on  the  multitude  ? 
A.  They  glorified  God  that  Christ  had  the  power 

to  forgive  sins. 

2.  Q.  Did  Christ  commit  this  power  to  His  ministers  ? 
A.  He  gave  them  power  to  declare  the  forgiveness 

of  sins. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  this  power  recorded  as  given  to  the 

Apostles  ? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  23. 


220  TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

4.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  the  Apostles  had  the 
authority  to  transmit  this  power  ? 

A.  St.  John  XX.  21. 


“ I lay  my  sins  on  Jesus, 

The  spotless  Lamb  of  God, 

He  bears  them  all,  and  frees  us 
From  the  accursed  load. 

I bring  my  guilt  to  Jesus, 

To  wash  my  crimson  stains 
White  in  His  blood  most  precious. 

Till  not  a spot  remains.” 

Bonar, 

THE  TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

The  Collect, 

0 ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  of  thy  boun- 
tiful goodness  keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  all 
things  that  may  hurt  us ; that  we,  being  ready  both 
in  body  and  soul,  may  cheerfully  accomplish  those 
things  which  thou  commandest,  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Ephes.  v.  \h.—The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  xxii.  1. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  Collect  ? 

A.  That  we  may  cheerfully  do  what  God  commands. 

2.  Q.  How  may  we  do  this  ? 

A.  By  dedicating  our  souls  and  bodies  to  his  ser- 
vice. 

3.  Q.  Will  a willing  mind  be  accepted  even  though  we 
do  not  aU  that  is  commanded  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  viii.  12. 

4.  Q.  What  is  said  of  giving,  which  will  apply  to  all 
that  we  owe  to  God  ? 


TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY,  221 


A.  2 Oor.  ix.  7. 

1.  Q.  Unto  what  did  Christ  liken  the  kingdom  of 

heaven  ? 

A.  To  a royal  marriage. 

2.  Q.  What  is  meant  here  by  “the  kingdom  of 

heaven? ” 

A.  The  place  of  eternal  bliss,  to  which  men  are  in- 
vited. 

3.  Q.  Who  is  the  king  here  referred  to  ? 

A.  1 Tim.  vL  15. 

4.  Q.  Is  the  beginning  of  eternal  bliss  represented  by 

the  marriage  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Eev.  xix.  7. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  king  command  his  servants  to  do?. 
A.  To  call  them  which  were  bidden  or  invited. 

2.  Q.  Did  all  come  who  were  invited  ? 

A.  No ; many  refused  to  come  at  all. 

3.  Q.  Whom  had  God  sent  unto  the  Jews  to  call  them. 

to  his  kingdom  ? 

A.  Jer.  XXV.  4. 

4.  Q.  What  hinders  persons  from  accepting  the  invi- 

tation of  God  ? 

A.  St.  John  V.  40. 

1,  Q.  When  those  who  were  invited  refused  to  corner 

what  did  the  king  do  ? 

A.  He  sent  his  servants  into  the  high-ways  to  in- 
vite all  they  could  find. 

2.  Q.  How  did  the  Apostles  act  upon  this  command  ? 
A.  By  inviting  the  Gentiles,  after  the  Jews  had  re- 
fused to  acknowledge  Jesus  ? 

19* 


222  TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

3.  Q.  Where  was  this  command  given  unto  them  ? 

A.  St.  Mark  xvi.  15. 

4.  Q.  How  many  are  now  invited  to  his  kingdom  ? 

A.  Rev.  xxii.  17. 

1.  Q.  What  feast  did  our  Saviour  institute  in  his  king' 

dom  on  earth  ? 

A.  The  feast  of  the  Holy  Eucharist. 

2.  Q.  Who  may  come  to  this  feast? 

A.  ‘‘All  such  as  are  confirmed  or  are  ready  and 
desirous  to  be  confirmed.” 

3.  Q.  What  is  Confirmation  ? 

A.  The  ratification  of  our  baptismal  vows,  after  we 
are  come  to  years  of  discretion, 

4.  Q.  By  whom  are  persons  confinned  ? 

A.  By  the  Bishops,  who  alone  have  this  authority. 

1.  Q.  When  the  king  came  in  what  did  he  find  ? 

A.  “A  man  who  had  not  on  a wedding  garment.” 

2.  Q.  What  did  this  action  of  the  man  signify  ? 

A.  A disregard  of  the  affection  and  honour  of  the 
king. 

•8.  Q.  Does  God  promise  to  furnish  us  with  the  wed- 
ding garment  ? 

A.  Rev.  iii.  5. 

Q.  Was  it  the  custom  forkings  to  present  garments 
to  their  friends  ? 

A.  Esther  viii.  15. 

1.  Q.  How  should  we  present  ourselves  at  the  Holy 
Communion  ? 

A.  In  the  wedding  garment  of  purity  and  humility. 


TWENTIETH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  223 


2.  Q.  What  are  we  exhorted  to  do  before  conii-ng  to 
the  altar  ? 

A.  To  examine  ourselves,  so  that  we  may  come 
“ holy  and  clean,  “ in  the  marriage  garment 
required  by  God  in  Holy  Scripture.” 

8.  Q.  Is  our  own  righteousness  sufficient? 

A.  Isaiah  Ixiv.  6. 

4.  Q.  Who  is  our  righteousness  ? 

A.  1 Oor.  i.  80. 

1.  Q.  What  was  done  with  him  who  came  without  a 

wedding  garment  ? 

A.  He  was  cast  into  outer  darkness. 

2.  Q.  What  shall  happen  to  him  who  comes  to  the 

Holy  Communion  unworthily  ? 

A.  He  will  be  condemned  by  God. 

3.  Q.  What  is  this  outer  darkness  called  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xiii.  42. 

4.  Q.  With  what  kind  of  people  shall  he  be  classed? 
A.  St.  Matt.  xxiv.  51. 


“ Bread  of  Heaven,  on  Thee  I feed, 
For  Thy  flesh  is  meat  indeed, 

Ever  may  my  soul  be  fed, 

With  the  true  and  living  bread : 

Bay  by  day,  with  strength  supplied, 
Through  the  life  of  Him  who  died. 
Vine  of  heaven.  Thy  blood  supplies 
This  blest  cup  of  sacriflce  ; 

’Tis  Thy  wounds  my  healing  give ; 
To  Thy  cross  I look  and  live : 
Rooted,  grounded,  graft’d  in  Thee, 
A living  branch  0 let  me  be.” 


224  TWENTY-FIEST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


THE  TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


The  Collect, 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  merciful  Lord,  to  thy 
hiithful  people  pardon  and  peace,  that  they  may 
be  cleansed  from  all  their  sins,  and  serve  thee  with  a 
quiet  mind  ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The  Epistle,  Ephes.  vi.  Vi— The  Gospel.  St.  John  iv.  46. 


1.  Q.  Of  what  are  we  reminded  to-day  ? 

A.  That  we  are  the  soldiers  of  Christ. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  the  sign  of  the  cross  put  on  our  foreheads 

at  baptism  ? 

A.  “ Iq  token  that  hereafter  we  shall  not  be 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith  of  Christ  cruci- 
fied ; and  manfully  to  fight  under  His  ban- 
ner.” 

3.  Q.  Of  what  is  St.  Timothy  charged? 

A.  1 Tim.  i.  18. 

4.  Q.  What  fight  is  he  told  to  engage  in  ? 

A.  1 Tim.  vi.  12. 

1.  Q.  Against  whom  do  we  fight? 

A.  Against  Satan  and  his  followers. 

2.  Q.  What  kind  of  warfare  is  this  ? 

A.  A spiritual  warfare. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Epistle  say  we  fight  against  ? 

A.  Eph.  vi.  12. 

4.  Q.  Of  what  should  we  be  careful  when  fighting 

against  some  opinion  which  we  do  not  ap- 
prove ? 


TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  225 


A.  Acts  V.  39. 

1.  Q.  How  are  we  furnished  for  the  battle? 

A.  By  the  armour  which  God  gives  us. 

2.  Q.  How  did  warriors  fight  in  the  days  of  the 

Apostles  ? 

A.  In  hand  to  hand  conflicts,  in  which  armour  was 
very  essential. 

3.  Q.  What  is  this  called  in  the  Epistle  ? 

A.  Eph.  VI . 11. 

4.  Q.  What  is  this  armour  called  elsewhere  ? 

A.  Kom.  xiii.  12. 

1.  Q.  What  are  the  weapons  of  defence  which  Christ 

gives  us  ? 

A.  The  girdle,  breastplate,  sandals,  shield,  and 
helmet. 

2.  Q.  What  did  these  pieces  of  armour  protect  ? 

A.  The  loins,  the  breast,  the  feet,  the  heart,  and  the 
head. 

3.  Q.  What  does  the  Prophet  say  of  righteousness? 

A.  Isaiah  xi.  5. 

4.  Q.  What  did  the  angel  tell  St.  Peter  to  do  when  ho 

set  him  free  from  prison  ? 

A.  Acts  xii.  8. 

1.  Q.  What  graces  do  these  weapons  represent  ? 

A.  Truth,  righteousness,  the  gospel  of  peace,  faith, 
and  salvation. 

2.  Q.  Are  these  weapons  sufficient  for  our  defence  ? 

A.  Yes ; if  we  use  them  aright. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  know  that  this  grace  is  sufficient  ? 

A.  2 Cor.  xii.  9. 


226  TWENTY-FIRST  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

4.  Q.  If  we  are  true  sons  of  God,  can  we  overcome 
the  world  ? 

A,  1 St.  John  V.  4. 

1.  Q.  What  weapon  for  fighting  is  given  us? 

A.  The  sword  of  the  Spirit. 

2.  Q.  What  is  this  sword  of  the  Spirit  ? 

A.  It  is  the  Word  of  God,  or  the  Holy  Bible. 

3.  Q.  What  is  said  of  the  power  of  this  sword? 

A.  Heb.  iv.  12. 

4.  Q.  Does  this  also  search  our  hearts  and  try  us  ? 

A.  Jer.  xvii.  10. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  to  do  in  our  Christian  warfare? 

A.  Be  constantly  watchful. 

2.  Q.  Why  should  we  bo  thus  watchful  ? 

A.  Because  the  devil  is  always  looking  out  for  op* 
portunities  to  attack  us. 

3.  Q.  Why  does  St.  Peter  tell  us  to  watch  ? 

A.  1 St.  Pet.  V.  8. 

4.  Q.  What  other  reason  did  our  Saviour  give  for 

watching  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  XX vi.  41. 

1.  Q.  How  are  we  to  be  strengthened  for  this 

battle  ? 

A.  By  praying  to  God  for  His  assistance  ? 

2.  Q.  What  is  prayer  ? 

A.  The  earnest,  heartfelt  invocation  of  the  contrite 
soul. 

3.  Q.  Will  the  fervent  prayer  of  the  righteous  avail 

any  thing? 

A.  St.  Jas.  V.  16,  last  clause. 


TWENTY-SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  227 


4.  Q.  What  short  direction  does  St.  Paul  give  con- 
cerning prayer  ? 

A.  1 Thess.  V.  17. 


“ Soldiers  of  Christ  arise, 

And  put  your  armour  on, 

Strong  in  the  strength  which  God  supplies 
Through  His  Eternal  Son. 

That  having  all  things  done. 

And  all  your  conflicts  past. 

Ye  may  behold  your  victory  won, 

And  stand  complete  at  last.” 


THE  TWENTY-SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect. 

Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  keep  thy  household  the 
Church  in  continual  godliness ; that,  through  thy 
protection,  it  may  be  free  from  all  adversities,  and 
devoutly  given  to  serve  thee  in  good  works,  to  the 
glory  of  thy  name,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Phil.  i.  3. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt,  xviii.  21. 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  in  the  gospel  for  to-day? 

A.  The  duty  of  forgiveness. 

2.  Q.  What  did  St.  Peter  ask  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  If  he  should  forgive  his  brother  till  seven  times. 

3.  Q.  How  often  did  the  Jews  think  that  forgiveness 
was  required  ? 

A.  Amos  i.  3. 

4.  Q.  What  is  it  man’s  glory  to  do  ? 

A.  Prov.  xix.  11. 


228  TWENTY- SECOND  SUNDAY  AFIER  TEINITY. 


1.  Q.  liow  many  times  did  Christ  say  we  should  for* 

give? 

A.  Until  seventy  times  seven. 

2.  Q.  What  did  He  mean  by  this  expression? 

A.  That  there  was  no  limit  to  the  duty  of  forgive- 
ness. 

3.  Q.  How  do  we  ask  to  be  forgiven? 

A.  St.  Luke  xi.  4. 

4.  Q.  What  great  example  did  our  Saviour  set  us  of 

forgiveness  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxiii.  84. 

1.  Q.  To  what  did  Christ  liken  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ? 
A.  To  the  king  who  took  account  of  his  servants. 

2.  Q.  To  what  does  this  refer? 

A.  To  the  time  when  Christ  shall  judge  the  world. 

3.  Q.  Where  are  we  told  that  we  must  render  an  ac- 

count for  our  deeds  ? 

A.  Eom.  xiv.  12. 

4.  Q.  Will  all  of  us  need  the  forgiveness  of  God  at  that 

time  ? 

A.  Ps.  cxliii.  2. 

1.  Q.  Whom  did  the  king  find  among  his  servants  ? 

A.  One  who  owed  him  a large  debt  that  he  could 

not  pay. 

2.  Q.  What  did  the  king  do  ? 

A.  He  commanded  him  to  be  sold  and  all  that  he 
had,  that  payment  might  be  made. 

3.  Q.  What  evidence  have  you  that  this  was  a Jewish 

custom  ? 

A.  2 Kings  iv.  i. 


TWENTY-SECOND  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  229 


4.  Q.  Did  this  law  of  sale  extend  to  the  Jews  them- 
selves ? 

A.  Levit.  XXV.  39. 

1.  Q.  What  did  this  servant  do  ? 

A.  He  prayed  the  king  to  he  patient  with  him. 

2.  Q.  Was  this  request  granted? 

A.  Yes  ; the  king  forgave  him  his  debt. 

3.  Q.  What  duty  does  the  servant’s  action  show  us? 

A.  Dan.  ix.  3. 

4.  Q.  Of  what  does  the  king’s  action  assure  us  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  i.  9. 

1.  Q.  How  did  this  servant  act  when  he  was  released? 
A.  He  went  and  found  a fellow-servant  who  owed 

him  a debt. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  amount  of  this  second  servant’s 

debt  ? 

A.  An  hundred  pence. 

3.  Q.  How  much  in  our  money  did  this  amount  to? 

A.  About  fourteen  dollars. 

4.  Q.  What  was  the  difference  between  this  and  the 

debt  of  the  first  servant  ? 

A.  The  difference  between  a talent  and  a penny,  if 
it  was  silver,  was  one  hundred  times ; if  it 
was  gold,  nearly  a million. 

1.  Q.  Did  this  servant  forgive  his  fellow-servant  ? 

A.  Ho;  he  cast  him  into  prison  until  he  should 
pay. 

2.  Q.  Had  the  fellow-servant  asked  him  to  be  patient? 
A.  Yes ; in  the  same  way  that  he  had  Risked  the 

favour  of  the  king. 

20 


230  TWENTY-THIED  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY, 

3.  Q.  Why  was  this  action  peculiarly  wicked  ? 

A.  St.  Matt,  xviii.  32. 

4.  Q.  What  command  of  Christ  had  he  violated  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vii.  12. 

1.  Q.  What  did  the  king  do  to  that  wicked  servant? 
A.  He  delivered  him  to  the  tormentors  until  h« 

should  pay  his  debt. 

2.  Q.  What  did  Christ  say  that  God  would  do  ? 

A.  God  will  do  the  same  to  those  who  are  unfor- 
giving. 

3.  Q.  Where  else  is  this  truth  affirmed  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  vi.  15. 

4.  Q.  What  does  Moses  declare  of  God’s  disposition 

to  forgive  ? 

A.  Ex.  xxxiv.  6. 

“Yes,  ransomed  sinner!  would’st  thou  know 
How  often  to  forgive, 

How  dearly  to  embrace  thy  foe, 

Look  where  thou  hop’st  to  live  ; 

When  thou  hast  told  those  isles  of  light. 

And  fancied  all  beyond. 

Whatever  owns,  in  depth  or  height, 

Creation’s  wondrous  bond ; 

There  in  their  solemn  pageant  learn 
Sweet  mercy’s  praise  to  see : 

Their  Lord  resign’d  them  all,  to  earn 
The  bliss  of  pardoning  thee.” 

Kehle. 

THE  TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect. 

0GOD,  our  refuge  and  strength,  who  art  the  author 
of  all  godliness;  Be  ready,  we  beseech  thee,  to 


TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  231 


hear  the  devout  prayers  of  thy  Church ; and  grant 
that  those  things  which  we  ask  faithfully  we  may  obtain 
eflectually ; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen, 

The,  Epistle.  PhiU  iii.  17. — The  Gospel,  St,  Matt.  xxii.  15. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  call  God  in  the  Collect? 

A.  Our  Eefuge. 

2.  Q.  Why  is  God  a refuge? 

A.  Because  we  can  flee  unto  him  to  shelter  ns  from 
troubles  and  trials. 

3.  Q.  What  does  David  call  God  ? 

A.  Ps.  xlvi.  1. 

4.  Q.  Where  does  the  Prophet  refer  to  our  Saviour  as 

a refuge  ? 

A.  Isaiah  xxxii.  2. 

1.  Q.  What  else  do  you  acknowledge  that  God  is  ? 

A.  Our  strength. 

2.  Q.  In  what  way  is  He  our  strength? 

A.  He  is  the  source  from  whom  comes  our  strength 
to  resist  temptations  and  evils. 

3.  Q.  What  does  David  say  of  the  strength  which  he 

received  from  God? 

A.  Ps.  xxvii.  1. 

4.  Q.  How  are  we  to  use  this  strength  when  we  have 

received  it  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xxii.  32. 

1.  Q.  What  other  name  is  given  to  God? 

A.  The  author  of  all  godliness. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  this? 

A.  That  all  good  qualities  and  purposes  come  from 
and  are  prompted  by  God  ? 


232  TW^ENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


3.  Q.  What  does  St.  Peter  say  of  God  ? 

A.  2 St.  Pet.  i.  3. 

4.  Q.  Is  it  our  duty  to  pray  for  each  other  ? 

A.  St.  Jas.  V.  16. 

1.  Q.  What  do  we  ask  God  in  the  Collect? 

A.  To  listen  to  the  prayers  of  his  Church. 

2.  Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  prayers  of  the  Church  ? 
A.  The  united  or  common  prayer  which  we  offer 

him  in  public  worship. 

3.  Q.  Is  God  near  to  those  who  call  upon  him  ? 

A,  Ps.  cxlv.  18. 

4.  Q.  Is  He  also  near  to  the  wicked  ? 

A.  Prov.  XV.  29. 

1.  Q.  What  kind  of  prayers  should  we  offer? 

A.  Devout  prayers,  or  those  which  come  from  the 
heart. 

2.  Q.  What  kind  of  prayers  are  offensive  to  God  ? 

A.  Those  which  come  from  the  lips  while  the  heart 
is  not  in  them. 

3.  Q.  How  does  St.  Paul  say  we  should  pray  ? 

A.  Eph.  vi.  18. 

4.  Q.  Why  does  God  hate  prayers  which  come  from 

the  lips,  while  the  heart  does  not  desire  an 
answer  ? 

A.  Prov.  xii.  22. 

1.  Q.  In  what  other  spirit  are  we  to  pray  ? 

A.  In  a spirit  of  faith. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  praying  in  a spirit  of 

faith  ? 


TWENTY-THIRD  SUNDAY  AETER  TRINITY.  233 

A.  Believing  that  God  will  answer  our  prayers  as 
is  best  for  ns. 

3.  Q.  Where  is  the  promise  of  an  answer  to  prayer 
in  faith  ? 

A.  St.  Matt.  xxi.  22. 

4:.  Q.  What  confidence  may  we  place  in  God’s  readi- 
ness to  hear  ? 

A.  1 St.  John  V.  14. 


“ Who  shall  change  our  vile  body  that  it  maybe  fashioned 
like  unto  his  glorious  body,  according  to  the  working 
whereby  He  is  able  even  to  subdue  all  things  unto 
himself.” — Phil.  iii.  21. 


“ Heavy  and  dull  this  frame  of  limb  and  heart, 

Whether  slow  creeping  on  cold  earth,  or  borne 
On  lofty  steed,  or  loftier  power,  we  dart 

O’er  wave  or  field ; yet  breezes  laugh  to  scorn 

Our  puny  speed,  and  birds,  and  clouds  in  heaven. 

And  fish,  like  living  shafts  that  pierce  the  main, 

And  stars  that  shoot  through  frozen  air  at  even — 
Who  but  would  follow,  might  he  break  his  chain  ! 

And  thou  shalt  break  it  soon ; the  grovelling  worm 
Shall  find  his  wings,  and  soar  as  fast  and  free 
As  his  transfigured  Lord,  with  lightning  form 
And  snowy  vest.  Such  grace  He  won  for  thee. 

When  from  the  grave  He  sprang  at  dawn  of  morn. 
And  led  through  boundless  air  thy  conquering  road, 
Leaving  a glorious  track,  where  saints  new  born 
Might  fearless  follow  to  their  blest  abode.” 

Kehle. 


20* 


284  TWENTY-FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


THE  TWENTY-FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect, 

0LORD,  wo  beseech  thee,  absolve  thy  people  from 
their  offences ; that  through  tijy  bountiful  good- 
ness we  may  all  be  delivered  from  the  bands  of  those 
sins,  which  by  our  frailty  we  have  committed.  Grant 
this,  O heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ’s  sake,  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.  Amen, 

The  Epistle.  Col.  i.  3. — The  Gospel.  St.  Matt.  ix.  18. 

1.  Q.  What  do  you  pray  for  to-day? 

A.  To  be  absolved  from  sin. 

2.  Q.  What  do  you  mean  by  absolution  ? 

A.  Being  freed  from  the  power  of  sin  and  its  pun- 
ishment. 

8.  Q.  What  prayer  did  Solomon  offer  for  Israel  ? 

A.  1 Kings  viii.  50. 

4.  Q.  Will  the  time  come  when  this  prayer  will  be 
answered  ? 

A.  Jer.  xxxi.  84. 

1.  Q.  Do  you  pray  that  the  Christian  or  the  sinner 
may  be  absolved  ? 

A.  In  this  place  we  pray  for  the  absolution  of 
Christians. 

2.  Q.  Are  not  those  who  are  truly  Christians  free  from 
sin  ? 

A.  Ko ; we  all  commit  sin,  and  need  constant  ab- 
solution. 

3.  Q.  What  does  St.  James  say  of  our  disposition  to 


TWENTY-FOURTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  285 


A.  St.  Jas.  iii.  2. 

4.  Q.  Can  any  one  say  that  he  is  clean  and  pure  froir 
sin  ? 

A.  Prov.  XX.  9, 

1.  Q.  In  what,  therefore,  do  we  all  unite  in  our  public 

worship  ? 

A.  In  confessing  our  sins. 

2.  Q.  What  do  Christians  confess  in  this  part  of  pub- 

lic worship  ? 

A.  That  we  have  gone  astray,  like  lost  sheep. 

8.  Q.  What  does  Solomon  say  of  confession  ? 

A.  Prov.  xxviii.  18. 

4.  Q.  What  above  all  things  should  every  Christian 
confess  ? 

A.  Phil.  ii.  11. 

1.  Q.  Why  do  Christians  sin  after  they  are  born 

again  ? 

A.  Because  of  the  frailty  of  their  human  nature. 

2.  Q.  What  are  these  sins  which  the  Christian  com- 

mits called  ? 

A.  “ Sins  of  weakness,  thoughtlessness,  or  inad- 
vertency.” 

3.  Q.  From  what  are  Christians  delivered,  and  to  what 

are  they  brought  ? 

A.  Rom.  viii.  21. 

4.  Q.  Shall  we  ask  God  for  any  thing  in  vain,  if  we 

ask  in  the  name  of  our  adorable  Saviour  ? 

A.  St.  John  xvi.  28. 

1.  Q.  What  happened  to  Christ  in  the  gospel? 


236  TWENTY-rOUIlTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 


A.  A woman  touclied  His  garment  that  she  might 
he  healed. 

2.  Q.  What  disease  must  Christ  heal  in  us  ? 

A.  The  disease  of  sin, 

3.  Q.  Had  this  woman  tried  any  other  means  of  cure? 
A.  St.  Luke  yiii.  43. 

4.  Q.  What  had  God  commanded  in  reference  to  the 

garments  of  the  Jews  ? 

A.  Hum.  XV.  38. 

1.  Q.  Why  did  she  touch  His  garment  ? 

A.  She  said  to  herself,  “ If  I touch  Him  I shall  be 
healed.” 

2.  Q.  What  did  this  woman  exhibit  by  this  action  ? 

A.  The  greatness  of  her  faith. 

8.  Q.  Where  else  is  faith  said  to  have  been  the  means 
of  cure  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  xvii.  19. 

4.  Q.  What  evidence  did  the  multitude,  on  a certain 
occasion,  give  of  their  faith  ? 

A.  Acts  V.  15. 

1.  Q.  Did  Jesus  know  that  some  one  had  touched 

Him? 

A.  Yes ; He  perceived  that  virtue  had  gone  out  of 
Him. 

2.  Q.  How  did  he  answer  the  woman  ? 

A.  “Be  of  good  comfort,  thy  faith  hath  made  thee 
whole.” 

3.  Q.  How  should  we  come,  that  the  diseases  of  oup 

souls  might  be  cured  ? 

A.  Heb.  X.  22. 


TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  237 


4.  Q.  "Will  Christ  hear  all  those  who  come  to  Him  ? 

A.  St.  John  vi.  37. 

1.  Q.  What  other  miracle  did  our  Saviour  work? 

A.  He  raised  the  Ruler’s  daughter  from  the  dead. 

2.  Q.  Of  what  does  this  resurrection  assure  us  ? 

A.  Of  the  power  of  Christ  to  raise  us  from  the 
dead. 

3.  Q.  What  other  instances  are  recorded  in  the  gospel 

of  Christ’s  having  raised  the  dead  ? 

A.  St.  Luke  vii.  14;  St.  John  xi.  43. 

4.  Q.  Will  Christ  at  some  future  time  call  all  the  dead 

from  their  graves  ? 

A.  St.  John  V.  28. 


“ Glory  to  God,  in  full  anthems  of  joy ; 

The  being  He  gave  us,  death  cannot  destroy  ; 

Sad  were  the  life  we  must  part  with  to-morrow, 

If  tears  were  our  birthright,  and  death  were  our  end ; 

But  Jesus  hath  cheer’d  the  dark  valley  of  sorrow. 

And  bade  us,  immortal,  to  heaven  ascend. 

Lift  your  glad  voices  in  triumph  on  high, 

Jesus  hath  risen,  and  man  shall  not  die.” 

Ware. 

THE  TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 
The  Collect. 

STIR  up,  we  beseech  thee,  O Lord,  the  wills  of  thy 
faithful  people ; that  they,  plenteously  bringing 
forth  the  fruit  of  good  works,  may  by  thee  be  plen- 
teously rewarded;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

The  Epistle.  Jer.  2csiii.  b.—The  Gospel.  St.  John  vi.  5. 

1.  Q.  What  is  this  Sunday  ? 


23S  TWENTY-riFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

A.  It  is  the  last  Sunday  of  the  Christian  year. 

2.  Q.  What  Sunday  follows  this  ? 

A.  The  first  Sunday  in  Advent. 

3.  Q.  What  is  said  of  the  Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel 

in  the  rubric  ? 

A.  That  they  naust  be  used  on  the  last  Sunday  of 
the  ecclesiastical  year. 

4.  Q.  Suppose  that  there  are  less  or  more  than 

twenty-five  Sundays  after  Trinity? 

A.  If  there  are  less,  the  Collect,  &c.,  for  those  Sun- 
days are  omitted — if  more,  the  Sundays  after 
the  Epiphany,  which  were  omitted,  are  to  he 
used. 

1.  Q.  What  is  taught  us  in  the  season  of  Advent? 

A.  The  Coming  of  Christ  to  save  and  to  judge  us. 

2.  Q.  How  did  He  first  come  ? 

A.  He  came  in  great  humility. 

3.  Q.  What  was  the  object  of  His  coming  ? 

A.  To  reconcile  God  to  us,  and  us  to  God,  by  the 
sacrifice  of  Himself. 

4.  Q.  How  will  He  come  in  judgment  ? 

A.  In  great  glory,  to  reward  or  punish  us,  accord- 
ing to  our  acceptance  or  rejection  of  His 
salvation. 

1.  Q.  What  did  you  learn  on  Christmas? 

A.  That  Christ  was  born  into  the  world  like  any 
other  child. 

2.  Q.  AVho  were  His  parents  ? 

A.  The  blessed  Virgin  Mary  and  Joseph. 

3.  Q.  At  what  place  was  He  horn  ? 


TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  239 


A.  At  Bethlehem  of  Judea  in  a manger. 

4.  Q.  What  does  the  Creed  say  of  our  Saviour’s  birth  ? 
A.  He  “ was  incarnate  by  the  Holy  Ghost  of  the 
Virgin  Mary.” 

1.  Q.  What  are  we  taught  on  the  Epiphany  ? 

A.  That  Christ  came  to  save  the  Gentiles  as  well  as 
the  Jews. 

2.  Q.  To  whom  was  He  manifested,  as  representatives 

of  the  Gentile  world  ? 

A.  To  the  three  kings  who  came  from  the  East. 

3.  Q.  Had  the  Jews  been  a peculiar  people  in  the 

sight  of  God  before  the  Advent  of  Christ  ? 

A.  Yes;  Israel  had  been  chosen  from  among  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth  ? 

4.  Q.  How  does  the  truth  of  the  Epiphany  affect  us? 
A.  We  are  the  Gentiles,  and  therefore  we  are  thus 

assured  of  our  salvation  through  the  blood 
of  Christ. 

1.  Q.  What  great  event  transpired  on  Good  Friday  ? 
A.  Our  blessed  Saviour  was  crucified  on  that  day. 

2.  Q.  Where  was  He  crucified  ? 

A.  On  a mount  called  Calvary  outside  the  gates  of 
Jerusalem. 

3.  Q.  Was  Christ  compelled  to  die  for  sinners  ? 

A.  Ho ; He  voluntarily  gave  Himself  for  our  re- 
demption. 

4.  Q.  Could  not  men  have  been  saved  without  His 

sacrifice  ? 

A.  Ho;  Christ’s  death  alone  could  satisfy  God’s 
wrath  against  man. 


240  TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY. 

1.  Q.  Did  Christ  remain  in  the  grave  ? 

A.  He  rose  from  the  dead  three  days  after,  on 
Easter  morning. 

2.  Q.  Did  He  remain  long  upon  earth  ? 

A.  After  40  days  He  ascended  into  heaven. 

3.  Q.  Of  what  does  the  resurrection  of  Christ  assure 

us? 

A.  That  we  also  shall  be  raised  from  the  dead. 

4.  Q.  What  do  we  learn  from  His  ascension? 

A.  That  if  we  be  like  Him,  we  shall  ascend  and 
be  with  Him  forever. 

1.  Q.  What  was  given  us  on  Whitsunday? 

A.  The  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter. 

2.  Q.  What  was  the  Holy  Ghost  given  for  ? 

A.  To  assist  us  in  becoming  holy  and  fit  for  heaven. 

3.  Q.  How  were  you  taught  that  the  Holy  Ghost  was 

given  ? 

A.  In  Christ’s  Holy  sacraments. 

4.  Q.  Are  these  sacraments  therefore  necessary  to 

salvation  ? 

A.  The  Catechism  tells  us,  that  the  Sacraments  of 
Baptism  and  the  Lord’s  Supper  are  generally 
— when  they  can  be  had — ^necessary  to  salva- 
tion. 

1.  Q.  What  are  you  taught  on  Trinity-Sunday  ? 

A.  That  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  are  three 
persons  in  one  adorable  Godhead. 

2.  Q.  Why  do  you  believe  in  the  Father  ? 

A.  Because  He  created  us. 

3.  Q.  What  reason  have  you  for  loving  the  Son  ? 


TWENTY-FIFTH  SUNDAY  AFTER  TRINITY.  241 


A.  Because  He  redeemed  us  by  His  death. 

4.  Q.  Why  should  you  pray  for  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 
A.  Because  He  will  sanctify  us  by  His  grace. 


“ Lord,  thy  glory  fills  the  heaven; 

Earth  is  with  its  fulness  stored ; 

Unto  Thee  be  glory  given, 

Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord ! 

Heaven  is  stiU  with  anthems  ringing : 
Earth  takes  up  the  angels’  cry, 

‘ Holy,  holy,  holy,’  singing, 

‘ Lord  of  hosts,  the  Lord  most  High ! ’ ” 


This  last  lesson  should  always  le  learned  for  the 
Sunday  next  lefore  Advent. 


21 


THE  CHURCH  CATECHISM. 


Q.  What  is  your  name  ? 

A.  N.  or  M. 

Q.  Who  gave  you  this  name  ? 

A.  My  sponsors  in  baptism,  wherein  I was  made 
a member  of  Christ,  the  Child  of  God,  and  an  inheritor 
of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.  ^ 

Q.  What  did  your  sponsors  then  for  you  ? 

A.  They  did  promise  and  vow  three  things  in  my 
name.  First,  that  I should  renounce  the  Devil  and  all 
his  works,  the  pomps  and  vanity  of  this  wicked  world, 
and  all  the  sinful  lusts  of  the  flesh.  Secondly,  that  I 
should  believe  all  the  Articles  of  the  Christian  faith. 
And,  thirdly,  that  I should  keep  God’s  Holy  Will  and 
Commandments,  and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of 
my  life. 

Q.  Dost  thou  not  think  that  thou  art  bound  to  be- 
lieve, and  to  do,  as  they  have  promised  for  thee  ? 

A.  Yes,  verily ; and  by  God’s  help  so  I will.  And 
I heartily  thank  our  heavenly  Father,  that  He  hath 
called  me  to  this  state  of  salvation,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour.  And  I pray  unto  God  to  give  me 
His  grace,  that  I may  continue  in  the  same  unto  my 
life’s  end. 

Q.  Eehearse  the  articles  of  thy  belief. 


THE  OHUEOn  OATEOHISM. 


243 


A.  I believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
of  heaven  and  earth,  And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son 
our  Lord;  who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pi- 
late; Was  crucified,  dead  and  buried;  He  descended 
into  hell ; the  third  day  He  rose  from  the  dead ; He 
ascended  into  heaven ; And  sitteth  at  the  right  hand 
of  God  the  Father  Almighty;  From  thence  He  shall 
come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

I believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ; the  holy  Catholic 
Church;  the  Communion  of  Saints;  the  Forgiveness 
of  sins ; the  Resurrection  of  the  body  ; And  the  Life 
Everlasting.  Amen. 

Q.  What  dost  thou  chiefly  learn  in  these  Articles  of 
thy  Belief  ? 

A.  First,  I learn  to  believe  in  God  the  Father,  who 
hath  made  me,  and  all  the  world. 

Secondly,  In  God  the  Son,  Who  hath  redeemed  me, 
and  all  mankind. 

Thirdly,  In  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  Who  sanctifieth 
me,  and  all  the  peoi)le  of  God. 

Q.  You  said  that  your  sponsors  did  promise  for 
you  that  you  should  keep  God’s  commandments ; tell 
me  how  many  there  are. 

A.  Ten. 

Q..  Which  are  they? 

A.  The  same  which  God  spake  in  the  twentieth 
chapter  of  Exodus,  saying,  I am  the  Lord  thy  God 
who  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of 
the  house  of  bondage. 


244 


THE  CHURCH  OATEOHISM. 


I.  Thou  shalt  have  none  other  gods  but  Me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  to  thyself  any  graven  im- 
age, nor  the  likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven 
above,  or  in  the  earth  beneath, »or  in  the  water  under  the 
earth.  Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  to  them,  nor  wor- 
ship them ; for  I the  Lord  thy  God  am  a jealous  God, 
and  visit  the  sins  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children,  un- 
to the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate 
Me,  and  show  mercy  unto  thousands  in  them  that  love 
Me,  and  keep  My  Commandments. 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain,  for  the  Lord  will  not  hoM  him  guiltless 
that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

lY.  Remember  that  thou  keep  holy  the  Sabbath- 
day.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  that  thou 
hast  to  do,  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of 
the  Lord  thy  God.  In  it  thou  shalt  do  no  manner 
of  work,  thou,  and  thy  son,  and  thy  daughter,  thy 
man-servant,  and  thy  maid-servant,  thy  cattle,  and 
the  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates.  For  in  six  days 
the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that 
in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day ; wherefore  the 
Lord  blessed  the  seventh  day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Y.  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God 
giveth  thee. 

YI.  Thou  shalt  do  no  murder. 

YII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

YIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 


THE  OHUECH  CATECHISM. 


245 


IX.  Thou  shfilt  not  bear  false  witness  against  thy 
neighbour. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour’s  house, 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour’s  wife,  nor  his  ser- 
vant, nor  his  maid,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any 
thing  that  is  his. 

Q.  What  dost  thou  chiefly  learn  by  these  com- 
mandments ? 

A.  I learn  two  things  ; my  duty  towards  God,  and 
my  duty  towards  my  neighbour. 

Q.  What  is  thy  duty  towards  God  ? 

A.  My  duty  towards  God  is  to  believe  in  Hina,  to  fear 
Him,  and  to  love  Him  with  all  my  heart,  with  all  my 
mind,  with  all  my  soul,  and  with  all  my  strength ; to 
worship  Him,  to  give  Him  thanks,  to  put  my  whole 
trust  in  Him,  to  call  upon  Him,  to  honour  His  holy 
Kame  and  His  Word,  and  to  serve  Him  truly  all  the 
days  of  my  life. 

Q.  What  is  thy  duty  towards  thy  neighbour  ? 

A.  My  duty  towards  my  neighbour  is  to  love  him 
as  myself,  and  to  do  to  all  men  as  I w'ould  they  should 
do  unto  me.  To  love,  honour,  and  succour  ray  father 
and  mother;  to  honour  and  obey  the  civil  authority; 
to  submit  myself  to  all  my  governors,  teacher^  spir- 
itual pastors  and  masters.  To  order  myself  lowly  and 
reverently  to  all  my  betters.  To  hurt  nobody  by  word 
or  deed.  To  be  true  and  just  in  all  ray  dealings.  To 
bear  no  malice  nor  hatred  in  my  heart.  To  keep  my 
hands  from  picking  and  stealing  and  ray  tongue  from 
evil  speaking,  lying  and  slandering.  To  keep  my  body 
21* 


246 


THE  CnUECn  CATECHISM. 


ia  temperance,  soberness,  and  chastity.  Not  to  covet 
nor  desire  other  men’s  goods,  but  to  learn  and  labour 
truly,  to  get  mine  own  living,  and  to  do  my  duty  in  that 
state  of  life,  unto  which  it  shall  please  God  to  call  me. 

Q.  My  good  child,  know  this,  that  thou  art  not 
able  to  do  these  things  of  thyself,  nor  to  walk  in  the 
commandments  of  God,  and  to  serve  him,  without  his 
special  grace,  which  thou  must  learn  at  all  times  to 
call  for  by  diligent  prayer.  Let  me  hear,  therefore  if 
thou  canst  say  the  Lord’s  Prayer. 

A.  Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be 
Thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  in 
earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily 
bread.  And  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
them  that  trespass  against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation ; but  deliver  us  from  evil.  Amen. 

Q.  What  desirest  thou  of  God  in  this  prayer  ? 

A.  I desire  my  Lord  God  our  heavenly  Father,  who 
is  the  Giver  of  all  goodness,  to  send  his  grace  unto  me, 
and  to  all  people ; that  we  may  worship  Him,  serve 
Him,  and  obey  Him,  as  we  ought  to  do.  And  I pray 
unto  God,  that  He  will  send  us  all  things  that  are  need- 
ful both  for  our  souls  and  bodies ; and  that  He  will  be 
merciful  unto  us,  and  forgive  us  our  sins ; and  that  it 
will  please  Him  to  save  and  defend  us  in  all  dangers 
both  of  soul  and  body ; and  that  He  will  keep  us  from 
all  sin  and  wickedness,  and  from  our  spiritual  enemy, 
and  from  everlasting  death.  And  this  I trust  He  will 
do  of  his  mercy  and  goodness,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  And  therefore  I say  Amen — So  be  it. 


THE  CnUECn  CATECHISM 


247 


Q.  How  many  sacraments  hath  Christ  ordained  in 
His  Church  ? 

A.  Two  only,  as  generally  necessary  to  salvation ; 
that  is  to  say,  Baptism  and  the  Supper  of  the  Lord. 

Q.  What  meanest  thou  by  this  word  Sacrament  ? 

A.  I mean  an  outward  and  visible  sign  of  an  in- 
ward and  spiritual  grace  given  unto  us,  ordained  by 
Christ  Himself,  as  a means  whereby  we  receive  the 
same,  and  a pledge  to  assure  us  thereof. 

Q.  How  many  parts  are  there  in  a Sacrament  ? 

A.  Two ; the  outward  visible  sign,  and  the  inward 
spiritual  grace. 

Q.  What  is  the  outward  visible  sign  or  form  in 
Baptism  ? 

A.  Water ; wherein  the  person  is  baptized.  In  the 
Name  of  ike  Father^  and  of  the  Son^  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost, 

Q.  What  is  the  inward  and  spiritual  grace  ? 

A.  A death  unto  sin,  and  a new  birth  unto  right- 
eousness ; for  being  by  nature  born  in  sin,  and  the  chil- 
dren of  wrath,  we  are  hereby  made  the  children  of  grace. 

Q.  What  is  required  of  persons  to  be  baptized? 

A.  Eepentance,  whereby  they  forsake  sin  ; and 
Faith,  whereby  they  steadfastly  believe  the  promises 
of  God  made  to  them  in  that  Sacrament. 

Q.  Why  then  are  infants  baptized,  when  by  reason 
of  their  tender  age  they  cannot  perform  them  ? 

A.  Because  they  promise  them  both  by  their  sure- 
ties; which  promise,  when  they  come  to  age,  them- 
selves are  bound  to  perform. 


248 


THE  CnUECn  CATECHISM. 


Q.  Why  was  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord’s  Supper 
ordained  ? 

A.  For  the  continual  remembrance  of  the  Sacrifice 
of  the  death  of  Christ,  and  of  the  benefits  which  we 
receive  thereby. 

Q.  What  is  the  outward  part,  or  sign,  of  the  Lord’s 
Supper  ? 

A.  Bread  and  wine,  which  the  Lord  hath  com- 
manded to  be  received. 

Q.  What  is  the  inward  part,  or  thing  signified  ? 

A.  The  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ,  which  are  spir- 
itually taken  and  received  by  the  faitbfal  in  the  Lord’s 
Supper. 

Q.  What  are  the  benefits  whereof  we  are  partakers 
thereby  ? 

A.  The  strengthening  and  refreshing  of  our  souls 
by  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ,  as  our  bodies  are  by 
the  bread  and  wine. 

Q.  What  is  required  of  those  who  come  to  the 
Lord’s  Supper  ? 

A.  To  examine  themselves,  whether  they  repent 
them  truly  of  their  former  sins,  steadfastly  purposing 
to  lead  a new  life  ; have  a lively  faith  in  God's  mercy 
through  Christ,  with  a thankful  remembrance  of  his 
death ; and  be  in  charity  with  all  men. 


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